Member states urged to address caste discrimination at UN Human Rights Council (IDSN) :
The European Parliament are urging EU member states to address caste discrimination at the March session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC25), currently underway. IDSN has issued recommendations for the HRC25 and Navi Pillay and Ban Ki-moon mention caste in their contributions to the council session.

Parliamentary questions to the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation :
referring to the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights

Written Questions by MEPs Peter van Dalen and Dennis de Jong to the European Commission :
about the report Tainted Carpets - Slavery and Child Labor in India's Hand-Made Carpet Sector

Questions Dutch Parliament by Gesthuizen (Socialist Party), Van Laar (PvdA), Thieme (Party for the Animals) and Voordewind (ChristenUnion) :
on major abuses in carpet industry India

South Asian parliamentarians join together to fight caste discrimination (IDSN) :
Parliamentarians from India, Nepal and Bangladesh have formed the ‘South Asian Parliamentary Forum’ (SAPF) to combat caste discrimination, at the historic ‘South Asia Parliamentarians Conference on Dalit Concerns’ in Kathmandu 8-9th December.

Arrest of 15 Dalit and Adivasi activists protesting against the government’s broken promises (IDSN):
Dalit and Adivasi activists protested in front of the Indian Parliament Tuesday, to convey their anger that India’s ruling parties have broken their promise to table important budget bills, meant to benefit Dalits and Adivasis (SCP TSP Legislation) and amendments to the act meant to prevent atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis (the SC/ST PoA act).

Dalits and women suffer harsh impact of Nepal elections (IDSN):
Democracy in Nepal looks to have taken a sharp turn away from inclusion, with November’s Constituent Assembly election First-Past-the-Post results yielding close to zero representation for Dalits and only sparse representation of women. This is a major blow to Dalits, and particularly to Dalit Women, who have fought long and hard to have their voices heard in previous Parliament and Constituent Assemblies and have over the years gained influence in committees and in the constitution drafting process.

New Manual Scavenging Legislation: New Hope and New Challenges (IDSN):
India is introducing new manual scavenging legislation meant to eradicate the humiliating practice of manual scavenging, which perseveres despite being outlawed for decades. Indian civil society are welcoming the initiative to introduce new legislation, but are flagging that the proposed draft legislation is missing critical necessary aspects that must be included before legislation is introduced on the 6th December.

Dalit speaks at UN Minority Forum (IDSN):
This year’s UN Forum on Minority Issues on 26-27 November focused on the rights of religious minorities, an issue of much relevance to Dalits in Pakistan and India. A Dalit representative from the latter country made an intervention in association with IDSN.

UN Human Rights Chief: Bring down the beast of caste discrimination (IDSN):
UN High Commissioner, Navi Pillay, delivers a powerful speech on the urgent need to wipe out the “insidious stain” of caste discrimination and urges the UK not to tarnish their excellent record on human rights, by delaying implementation of UK anti-caste discrimination legislation.

Finland vows to fight caste discrimination (IDSN):
The Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs has promised to take active measures in fighting caste discrimination. His statements came at an event organised by the Dalit Solidarity Network in Finland (DSN-Fi), which formed part of an impressive campaign week by DSN-Fi.

EP: The EU must fight caste discrimination (IDSN):
The elected representatives of half a billion Europeans from 28 countries in the European Parliament (EP) today adopted a strongly worded resolution on caste discrimination.

EP Committee approves caste resolution (IDSN):
Next month, the European Parliament will express serious concern about caste discrimination and urge the EU to take action on this serious human rights issue.

India passes bill on manual scavenging (IDSN):
A long awaited bill prohibiting manual scavenging was passed by the Indian parliament on 7 September. But two leading campaign organisations say that much needs to be done before the total eradication of this inhuman practice is achieved.

MEPs question EU policy on caste issue (IDSN):
A discussion in the European Parliament’s Development Committee on 8 July focused on the need for an EU policy on caste discrimination. MEPs believe that this serious human rights problem warrants EU priority action and are preparing a resolution on the issue.

Dalit women raise their voices in the UN (IDSN):
Nine Dalit women activists from South Asia attended the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last week. Members of the group spoke at a side event on Dalit women on 4 June, and they appealed to UN member states to address their situation.

Answers Dutch Minister Timmermans to parliamentary follow-up questions by ChristianUnion :
(subm. May 6, 2013) on sexual violence against women in India and constraints for human rights organizations

Take action to improve conditions for Dalit women (IDSN):
Women and girls facing caste-based discrimination need special protections: press release from Human Rights Watch, IMADR, Minority Rights Group International and IDSN.

UN experts speak out on caste issue (IDSN):
Seven UN Special Procedures mandate holders have issued a powerful media statement, focusing on the violence and discrimination suffered by the world’s ‘untouchables’, particularly the Dalits of South Asia.

UN expert: Education system fails Dalits (IDSN):
In his most recent report, the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism notes that discrimination against Dalits in the educational system is widespread in caste-affected countries. It leads to high dropout rates and even suicides.

Parliamentary follow-up questions ChristianUnion :
on sexual violence against (Dalit) women in India and constraints for human rights organizations

Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Bangladesh: Dalits need protection (IDSN):
When Bangladesh was reviewed by the UN’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on 29 April, concerns were expressed about the human rights situation of the country’s minorities, including Dalits.

Caste discrimination in Great Britain (DNN):
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) recommends that the UK Government prohibit caste discrimination and provide remedies to victims of this form of discrimination.

EU-India Free Trade Agreement / EU-India Vrijhandelsverdrag

Pakistan: Dalits demand representation (IDSN):
Participants in a consultation on Dalit political representation have adopted a resolution urging political parties in Pakistan to nominate members of ‘scheduled castes’ for seats in the country’s elected assemblies.

Answers Dutch Minister Timmermans to parliamentary questions on sexual violence against women in India and constraints for human rights organizations: Reaction by the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN):
An almost two-third majority of the Dutch Parliament did ask the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Timmermans and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Ploumen to undertake more action against (sexual) violence against women, especially Dalit women who frequently are victims. The Parliament was also very concerned about the fact that the Indian government put a large number of Indian and international organizations on a 'suspect list' and imposed visa restrictions on the latter. A reaction by the ICN....

Dutch Minister Timmermans (Foreign Affairs) wants a stronger EU policy on Dalits: Parliamentary questions, motions and debate are the trigger (ICN):
During the budget session of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 18-19th December 2012, Member of Dutch Parliament Voordewind (ChristianUnion) brought up the Dalit-issue during his contribution to the debate. He also did this before while discussing with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rosenthal.

Answers from Minister of Foreign Affairs to Questions Dutch Parliament :
(subm. Jan 28, 2013) on sexual violence against women in India and constraints for human rights organizations

Rally decries UK government caste policy (IDSN):
As anti-caste discrimination campaigners demonstrated outside the British Parliament, the House of Lords decided to back an amendment to a bill that would make caste discrimination illegal in the UK.

Study by European Parliament: The EU should be caste-inclusive (IDSN):
A new study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Committee on Development recommends a stronger EU role in the fight against caste discrimination. The study has been well received by Members of the European Parliament.

Dalits affected by 'implementation gap' (IDSN):
The UN Independent Expert on minority issues spoke at a UN event on 28 February of the lack of implementation of laws that are supposed to protect Dalits from discrimination and caste-related crimes.

Caste inequalities recognised in post-2015 development agenda (IDSN):
As the discussion on how to take the global development agenda beyond the original Millennium Development Goals intensifies, IDSN recommends that issues related to caste discrimination be included in this important framework.

Dutch Parliamentary Questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation :
on sexual violence against women in India and constraints for human rights organizations

EP urges India to fight violence against women (IDSN):
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on violence against women in India. The document contains several references to caste discrimination and the situation of Dalit women.

Dalit award winner Human Rights Tulip 2012 (ICN/DNN)

Ten Members EP want action against caste discrimination (DNN):
Ten Members of European Parliament put written questions to the Vice-President / High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, and the European Commission on discrimination on the grounds of caste and caste discrimination in EU development policy. Among these Members were four Dutch politicians: Ria Oomen-Ruijten (Christian Democrats), Esther de Lange (Christian Democrats), Thijs Berman (Labour Party) and Peter van Dalen (Christian Union).

European Parliament adopts historic resolution on Dalits (press release IDSN):
A strongly worded resolution on caste discrimination in India was debated and adopted today by the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The Parliament condemned the high number of atrocities committed against Dalits in India and the Indian government’s insufficient action on the issue of caste discrimination.

Minister promises amendments to PoA Act (IDSN):
Thousands of Dalits and Adivasis gathered in Delhi on Friday to demand amendments to the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The government may bring in these amendments early next year.

UN states strongly concerned about minority rights in Pakistan (IDSN):
When Pakistan was reviewed by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on 30 October, many states expressed concern about the human rights situation of religious minorities, including scheduled castes.

Huge Dalit rally planned for November (IDSN):
A coalition of 150 Indian NGOs is demanding amendments to – and proper implementation of – the laws that are supposed to protect Dalits and Adivasis from atrocities. The campaign is gathering momentum.

Pakistan reviewed for second time by UN UPR Working Group (DNN):
Pakistan will be reviewed for the second time by the UPR Working Group at the 14th UPR session on 30 October 2012. On this occassion, Pakistan Dalit Solidarity Network (PDSN) and the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) have prepared and submitted a stakeholders' report to the OHCHR on 23 April 2012 concerning discrimination against Dalits in Pakistan.

Questions to the President of the European Council by EP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union) :
on bonded (child) labour of Dalit girls in garment production in EU-based companies (follow-up to questions Jun 14, 2012)

UN experts call for end to caste-based stigma and slavery (IDSN):
Two United Nations human rights rapporteurs called on UN Member states to recognise the stigma, exclusion and slavery-like conditions that are the consequences of caste-based discrimination worldwide.

Casting out Caste in Britain (blog Geeta Bandi-Phillips, Huffington Post):
“What is your caste?” I would be asked. In London. When walking with my husband, who is white, I’d be asked, “Could your parents not find any good Indian boy? What is your caste anyway?” When my answer was just to smile or walk away, the quiet whisper was always “She must be from a low caste. Otherwise why would you not tell? I can’t imagine our children doing that. My husband would kill us all”.

Answers to Questions European Parliament :
subm. Jun 14, 2012) on bonded (child) labour Dalit girls in garment production EU-based companies

Ten Members EP want action against caste discrimination (DNN):
Ten Members of European Parliament put written questions to the Vice-President / High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton, and the European Commission on discrimination on the grounds of caste and caste discrimination in EU development policy. Among these Members were four Dutch politicians: Ria Oomen-Ruijten (Christian Democrats), Esther de Lange (Christian Democrats), Thijs Berman (Labour Party) and Peter van Dalen (Christian Union).

Questions European Parliament :
on bonded (child) labour Dalit girls in garment production EU-based companies

India’s ‘human rights exam’ at UN Human Rights Council (ICN):
On the 24th of May India is undergoing its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UN Human Rights Council. It is the second time that India has to do this 'human rights exam' in which it will be questioned by other countries on its human rights record and recommendations will be given to improve it. By the way: on October 30th 2012 it is Pakistan’s turn for the UPR.

UPRs of India and the UK: Observations on outcomes and follow up (IDSN):
As a follow up to the Universal Periodic Reviews of India and the UK on 24 May, IDSN calls for the effective implementation of all caste-related recommendations and for constructive engagement with civil society in the implementation process.

UN increasingly concerned about caste (IDSN):
Following yesterday’s release of the reports on the UN human rights reviews of India and the UK, it is evident that UN member states are increasingly concerned about caste discrimination, affecting an estimated 260 million people worldwide.

Caste included in the adopted report on the UK UPR review (IDSN):
The report on the UN human rights review of the UK was adopted today. A significant recommendation on caste discrimination has been included in the final report. This will provide the basis for monitoring and reporting on the UK’s efforts to amend its legislation to include caste and promote a national strategy to eliminate caste discrimination in the next four years.

Dalit rights activists enraged at the failure of Indian delegations to address questions raised at the UN today (press release NCDHR):
Dalit rights activists gathered in Geneva are disappointed at the Indian delegation's immediate response to the real challenges that Dalits face, when India was reviewed at the UN Universal Periodic Review of India on 24 May.

ARTICLE 17: An innovating video campaign to end untouchability (DNN):
ARTICLE 17 is a campaign launched by Video Volunteers on April 14th, 2012, to urge the National Commission for Schedule Castes, (the government body that is constitutionally appointed to direct and implement the safeguards against untouchability), to prosecute cases of untouchability.

India: UN Members Should Act to End Caste Discrimination says Human Rights Watch and IDSN (IDSN):
United Nations member states should make ending caste-based discrimination a priority when they review India’s human rights record at the UN Human Rights Council in late May, 2012, Human Rights Watch and the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) said today. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of India at the Human Rights Council is scheduled for May 24.

Motion passed in Dutch Parliament on full supply chain transparency in India's garment industry, following report highlighting Dalits in bonded labour (IDSN):
A Motion in the Dutch Parliament on full supply chain transparency in the garment industry in India has been adopted in the wake of the report Maid in India by SOMO and the India Committee of the Netherlands.

Motion Dutch Parliament :
on full supply-chain transparency and the eradication of child labour in the textile chain

Answers to Questions of Member Voordewind (ChristianUnion) :
(subm. Jan 16, 2012) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation about child labour and the position of Dalits in India

Answer to Question European Parliament :
(subm. Dec 21, 2011) on torture and deaths during detention in India

Motions and questions in Dutch Parliament on Dalits, child labour, EU-India free agreement, role of UN etc.: REVIEW

Questions European Parliament :
on torture and deaths during detention in India

Urgent Global Call for Action to End Caste Discrimination (press release IDSN):
Activists, members of international organisations, NGOs, Solidarity Networks and researchers from across the world, have launched a landmark Urgent Global Call for Action to Eliminate Caste-Based Discrimination*. The call was launched on the 1st December, as an outcome of the International Consultation on Good Practices and Strategies to Eliminate Caste Based Discrimination, held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Answers to Parliamentary questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
(subm. Oct 31, 2011) on child labour and the position of Dalits in India

Parliamentary questions by member Voordewind (ChristianUnion)
on child labour and the position of Dalits in India

Caste-based slavery in the mining sector highlighted in UN debate (IDSN):
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery noted with concern that children from marginalised groups, including tribal and lower caste communities, are “doubly vulnerable to abuses” in the mining sector.

UN Committee: Caste discrimination in the UK should be outlawed (IDSN):
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) recommends that the UK Government prohibit caste discrimination and provide remedies to victims of this form of discrimination.

UN Committee urges Nepal to increase political participation of Dalit women (IDSN):
The UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) examined Nepal on 20 July, and recommended the Government to take specific measures to increase the “very low” political representation of Dalit and indigenous women at national and local level.

Dutch parliament urges end to caste discrimination (Radio Netherlands Worldwide/SouthAsiaWired.org):
Dutch parliament supports a proposal to combat caste discrimination which is still rife in South Asian societies such as India, Bangladesh and Nepal. It has urged Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal to work with South Asian governments to improve the position and life of the 250 million 'Dalits'.

Large majority in Dutch Parliament supports motion to combat caste discrimination : Dalit Network Netherlands pleased about Dutch policy support for 250 million Dalits (press release DNN):
Yesterday the Dutch Parliament adopted a motion requesting the Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue an active approach to combat caste-based discrimination and improving the position of the roughly 250 million Dalits (so-called ‘outcastes’) in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
An almost two-third majority of Dutch Parliament (95 out of 150 members) of the opposition parties like the Social Democrats, the Christian Union, the GreenLeft Party, the Socialist Party as well as the ruling Christian Democrats, supported the motion. The Dutch Minister of Foreign affairs, Dr. U. Rosenthal, said that he can take the four specific requests in the motion into his policy.

Declaration of the "Conference on Decade of Dalit Rights UN, 2011-20: Decisive Decade against Discrimination based on Work and Descent" (held in Geneva, June 24-25, 2011)

Nepal: Passing of ‘Untouchability Bill’ is a historic achievement for the Dalit movement (press release IDSN):
The Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability Crime Elimination and Punishment Act, which was adopted unanimously by Nepal’s interim Parliament on May 24, prohibits the practices of ‘untouchability’ both in the public and private sphere. Dalit groups have advocated for two years to ensure that the law did not only extend to the public sphere, but also to the private. It is the first time that a law, which criminalises ‘untouchability’ practices in the private sphere, has ever been introduced.

Human Rights Council 17th session, 30 May – 17 June 2011 - Written statement on item 'Promotion and Protection of Human Rights - Discrimination based on work and descent' (IMADR):
The issue of discrimination based on work and descent, also known as caste-based discrimination, has been addressed by an increasing number of UN human rights bodies over the last years. Nevertheless, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has failed to take action to comprehensively address the issue, despite the fact that it is estimated to affect approximately 260 million persons globally.

Caste discrimination: stop talking, action now! (New Europe):
The EU needs to take a much more robust stand on caste discrimination, severely affecting the human rights of 260 million people globally. We must take action through our External Action Service – they need to make caste discrimination a priority. We are concluding a free trade agreement with India and we must include a clause on caste discrimination. This was my plea at the European Parliament hearing on caste discrimination, held Monday 28th February.
Caste discrimination, which exists predominantly in South Asia, is a consequence of a hierarchically structured caste system that grades people according to the caste they were born into – where Dalits are the lowest and seen as ‘impure’ and ‘untouchable’.
Dalits are subjected to segregation, rape, murder, modern slavery, cleaning human excrements by hand, and discrimination in access to basic services, education, health, political participation and more.

MEPs: The EU must act now to help end one of the biggest human rights issues in the world (press release IDSN):
MEPs stated that EU action must be taken to help end caste discrimination, affecting 260 million people worldwide. The statements came during a hearing on caste discrimination in South Asia, at the European Parliament Monday afternoon. This was also the message delivered by Dalit rights advocators at the hearing, who informed MEPs that concerted action to combat caste discrimination through EU development work, trade agreements and political dialogues, must be taken if development goals in caste-affected countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, are to be achieved and human rights respected.

Hearing in European Parliament on caste discrimination: Members of Parliament want action! (DNN)

UN Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya on the situation of human rights defenders in India, on concluding her visit (IDSN):
I am particularly concerned at the plight of human rights defenders working for the rights of marginalized people, i.e. Dalits, Adavasis (tribals) religious minorities and sexual minorities, who face particular risks and ostracism because of their activities."
This is one of the observations of Margaret Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, at the conclusion of her visit to India. From 10 to 21 January 2011, Sekaggya carried out a fact-finding mission to assess the situation of human rights defenders in India. She travelled to New Delhi, Bhubaneshwar (Orissa), Kolkata (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jammu and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir). Her press release at the conclusion of her visit gives a six-page account of her preliminary observations and recommendations.

Motion Dutch Parliament on EU-India Free Trade Agreement

Indian Churches: ‘Zero tolerance´ for caste discrimination (World Council of Churches):
Caste discrimination, or casteism, was designated a sin and a "crime against humanity" at the Ecumenical Conference on Justice for Dalits held in New Delhi on 22-24 October. Commitment to exercise zero tolerance for the sin of caste discrimination were given by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

Open letter IDSN to Ms. Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security of the EU and Vice President of the European Commission (DNN):
IDSN urges Catherine Ashton to address caste discrimination in upcoming EU dialogues with India, ensure that the issue is given proper attention in EU cooperation with caste affected countries and pursue an EU policy on the issue.

Open letter to Barack Obama ahead of his visit to India (IDSN):
IDSN urges President Barack Obama to raise the issue of caste discrimination on his upcoming visit to India.

Launching of Samajik Parivartan Yatra For Eradication of Manual Scavenging in India (Safai Karmachari Andolan):
Manual scavenging is the most obnoxious and inhuman practice violating the dignity and human personhood of safai karmacharis. It involves the engagement or employment of sections of people to manually dispose human excreta from dry latrines with bare minimum aids such as scarappers, brooms and baskets.

Answers EU-Commissioner Ashton to questions on human rights and Dalits

Open letter ICN et al. to the ILO (ICN/MV Foundation/Dakshini Rajasthan Majdoor/ILRF/Stop Child Labour)
on child and exploited adult labour in the Indian seed industry

Letter CHR&GJ and Navsarjan Trust to Unicef (CHR&GJ/Navsarjan Trust):
"Help to end discrimination against Dalit children in India"

National Call to Abolish Untouchability (press release E & E Coalition):
On the occasion of the presentation on 15 April 2010 of the National Call to Abolish Untouchability by Dalit and non-Dalit organizations in India with support from international solidarity groups.

Answers to questions in Dutch Parliament by ChristianUnion, SGP and CDA :
(subm. Feb. 8, 2010) to the Ministers of Foreign and Economic Affairs about the report Understanding Untouchability in India

Ten years of global struggle against caste discrimination (press release IDSN):
As the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) marks its tenth anniversary, the struggle for Dalit rights is gaining increasing international momentum, including an endorsement by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Much, however, remains to be done if one of the world’s most serious human rights issues, which affects 260 million people, is to be eliminated.

Questions in Dutch Parliament on measures against ‘untouchability’ and caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalit Christians in Kandhamal, Orissa :
Three Dutch political parties (including two of the three parties in the present coalition government) have raised two sets of questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Economic Affairs (in charge of trade issues) on the situation Dalits in India and on the situation in Kandhamal, Orissa.

Questions in Dutch Parliament by ChristianUnion, SGP and CDA :
to the Ministers of Foreign and Economic Affairs about the report Understanding Untouchability in India

Opinion poll in The Netherlands: Companies and governments should take a stand against caste discrimination (press release DNN):
More than seven out of ten persons in The Netherlands are of the opinion that the Dutch government should take a stand against caste discrimination in the United Nations as well as in the European Union. Also two out of three people feel that Dutch multinationals who are operating in countries where caste discrimination exists, should tackle the issue in their own company and in their supply chain.

Experts condemn India’s UN stance on caste (IDSN):
India should adopt the UN principles and guidelines to end caste discrimination, a group of eminent panelists said at a press briefing in New Delhi on 4 December.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: 'Tear down the wall of caste' (DNN):
Governments in countries with caste systems should respond to the call from a top UN official to end this form of discrimination, Human Rights Watch, the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) and the International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) said today. The organisations urged governments in South Asia and other regions to cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, who has issued a strong call to end caste discrimination.

The Ambedkar Principles: Principles and Guidelines to address Caste Discrimination in the Private Sector [revised edition] (IDSN):
The principles and guidelines are developed to address caste discrimination, which remains one of the most serious human rights issues in the world today.

The European Commission takes up the fight against caste discrimination (IDSN):
The European Commission conducted a 3 day regional workshop on Indigenous People, Minorities and Dalits in Dhaka, 15-17 June, 2009.

Human rights violations against 170 million people is not an "international issue" (press release IDSN):
Despite caste-discrimination being left out of the official programme and the final outcome document at the Durban Review Conference, states and NGOs spoke out strongly on the issue in statements at the conference yesterday.
Nepal spoke with great concern about the many problems associated with inhumane untouchability practices, resulting from caste discrimination in Nepal, and alongside Slovenia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mauritius put the issue back on the conference agenda. India, who has a history of considering caste discrimination an internal issue, objected strongly to the issue of caste being brought up at this conference. Meanwhile, there are at least 170 million victims of caste discrimination in India alone and 260 million globally.

UN Racism Conference fails to address caste-based discrimination affecting 260 million people (press release Human Rights Watch/Lutheran World Federation/Pax Romana/IMADR/IDSN/NCDHR/FORUM-ASIA):
The international community should take action on caste-based discrimination which violates the rights of 260 million people globally, a group of nongovernmental organizations including Human Rights Watch, Lutheran World Federation, Pax Romana, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR), International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN), National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) and FORUM-ASIA, said at a news conference on caste-based discrimination and the Durban Review Conference.
The Durban Review Conference was organized to evaluate progress towards the goals set by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. Millions of victims of caste-based discrimination, hoping that the conference would serve as a platform to highlight their problems, were left deeply disappointed.

Durban Review Conference: Break the UN silence on caste discrimination (press release HRW/IDSN/NCDHR):
260 million people worldwide suffer from caste discrimination and are being silenced by the Durban Review Conference, which claims to aim at protecting all victims affected by discrimination and contemporary forms of racism. To break this silence, Human Rights Watch, IDSN, NCDHR and other human rights organizations, have issued a joint position paper calling on the conference to address this crucial issue.

Durban Review Conference and Caste-Based Discrimination (HRW/IDSN/NCDHR):
Position paper.
Caste-based discrimination is a form of discrimination prohibited by international human rights law, which subjects an estimated 260 million people globally to discrimination on the grounds of work and descent. This form of discrimination is an entrenched human rights violation, which is mainly found in South Asian countries but also occurs in communities in Japan, Yemen, some African countries and Diaspora communities.

European Parliament: Ensure that Dalits benefit from EU-India Free Trade Agreement (press release IDSN):
In a report on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) the European Parliament (EP) calls on the European Council and Commission to work together with the Indian Government to move towards ending caste based discrimination, which affects more than 166 million Dalits in India. It urges the EU to ensure that the FTA is not harmful to Dalits and that the potential benefits reach all members of society. According to the EP, this should be part of an ‘ambitious sustainable development chapter’ in the FTA.

India must show leadership in combating caste-based discrimination, says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (press release IDSN):
During her first official visits to Nepal and India from 18-24 March, the High Commissioner for Human Rights delivered two historic speeches urging the Government of India to show global leadership in the fight against caste-based discrimination, and calling upon the Government of Nepal to apply existing laws to end such discriminatory practices.

UN Commissioner Human Rights asks Indian government to show leadership in fighting caste discrimination at home and globally (DNN):
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. N. Pillay, has urged the Indian government to be more active in fighting caste discrimination. In her address to the National Human Rights Commission and State Commissions she said:
'Of particular concern is caste-based discrimination which is still deplorably widespread, despite efforts by the government and the judiciary to eradicate this practice. I note that in 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh strongly condemned the practice of “untouchability” and compared it with apartheid. Moreover, Dalits, as well as tribal peoples, continue to live in abject poverty. Policies and measures that have been established to ensure relief for these groups, their access to justice, and accountability for perpetrators of abuses against them, have neither sufficiently alleviated their conditions, nor have they satisfactorily curtailed the climate of impunity that enables human rights violations. This is an area where India can not only address its own challenges nationally, but show leadership in combating caste-based discrimination globally.'

Reports for the Universal Periodic Review (‘UN Human Rights Exams’) of India and Pakistan (ICN):
Official reports and reports submitted by IDSN (international Dalit Solidarity Network) and other organizations on India and Pakistan, fully or partly on caste-discrimination.

Statement of The Netherlands at the UN Human Rights Council September 2008 (ICN):
"The Netherlands attaches great attention to countering all forms of discrimination. Discrimination based on work or descent is a topic that deserves consideration by the members of this Council. Therefore, the Netherlands fully supports the report of the HRC Advisory Committee....."

Caste Discrimination and Social Exclusion (PSAARC Workshop):
This workshop was organized by ADRM - Asia Dalit Rights Movement – an umbrella body of the Dalit Platforms from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

European Parliament hosts meeting on caste discrimination in South Asia, 04-06-2008 (EuAsiaNews):
Representatives of the Dalit community in India as well as defenders of Dalit human rights in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Europe have urged the European Union (EU) to support the cause of the Dalits in fighting discrimination.

Nepalese Dalit Rights (DNN):
Nepal’s new constitution must recognize and protect the fundamental human rights of Dalits, says a new report (Recasting Justice: Securing Dalit Rights in Nepal’s New Constitution) released today by the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) at New York University School of Law.

India questioned on caste discrimination in the UN (press release IMADR/NCDHR/IDSN):
On 10 April, the human rights situation of India was scrutinized by the Human Rights Council under the newly established Universal Periodic Review procedure. India was among the first countries up for review.
The Indian delegation presented its report to the Council projecting an image of the human rights situation which according to international and national human rights organisations is a far cry from reality. Broad-based evidence of human rights violations, including the continued discrimination and violence committed against India’s 170 million Dalits, was largely ignored or played down.

Prevention of Discrimination: Final report of Special rapporteurs on the topic of discrimination based on work and descent (Mr. Yozo Yokota & Ms. Chin-Sung Chung):
The present final report on the question of discrimination based on work and descent has been prepared pursuant to the resolution 2006/14 in which the Sub-Commission endorsed the Special Rapporteurs’ proposals to organize two regional workshops, one in Asia and one in Africa, before the end of the first quarter of 2007 and a consultation meeting in Geneva during the second quarter of 2007. Pending the Human Rights Council decisions, such workshops and consultation meeting were not formally held. However, the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights organized in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 23-25 April 2007, a workshop on Social Inclusion: Supporting Political Participation and Economic Empowerment in which the issue of discrimination based on work and descent was included, and the two Special Rapporteurs fully participated in this workshop.

2007 RAFTO Prize for National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (ICN):
International prize for human rights defenders awarded to NCDHR......

Resolution on Untouchability passed in US House of Representatives (ICN):
On July 23, 2007 a historic resolution was passed in the US House of Representatives that denounces the practice of “untouchability” and declares that the United States should take steps to address the issue.

Concluding observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UN; 38th session, 30 Apr - 18 May 2007)

Rights Groups Issue Concerns over India Uncontested bid for Re-election to the UN Human Rights Council (press statement FORUM-ASIA):
In an open letter addressed to Indian prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, several human rights groups, including FORUM-ASIA, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR), Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE), South Asia Forum for Human Rights (SAFHR), Peoples Watch (PW) and others, have demanded that India honour its commitments to human rights while it goes for an uncontested bid for its re-election to the UN Human Rights Council slated for 17 May 2007 at UN General Assembly in New York.

Open Letter to the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh (FORUM-ASIA):
Subject: India’s Voluntary Pledges and Commitments in relation to its candidature for re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2007-2010.

European Parliament: protection of Dalits is ‘grossly inadequate’ (DNN):
The European Parliament on 1st February 2007 adopted a resolution on the human rights situation of Dalits in India. The Parliament states that implementation of laws protecting Dalits is ‘grossly inadequate’.

India and the UN Anti-Racism Committee: reports and results (ICN)

India: UN Finds Pervasive Abuse Against Dalits - After Review by UN Anti-Discrimination Body, Government Should Move From Talk to Action (press release CHR&GJ/IDSN/HRW):
The Indian government should take immediate steps to implement the recommendations of a United Nations committee that found persistent violence and discrimination against Dalits, or so-called “untouchables,” a group of international human rights organizations said today.
The organizations include Human Rights Watch, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice at New York University School of Law, and the International Dalit Solidarity Network.

New Report Making things worse: Lessons on caste discrimination from post-tsunami relief (media release DNN/IDSN):
An in-depth report on caste-based discrimination in the aftermath of the tsunami that hit the coast of Tamil Nadu, India, shows that many providers of recovery programmes unwittingly, carelessly or cynically contributed to a widening divide between caste fishermen and neighbouring Dalit communities. The study, completed over more than a year of research, involved visits to 31 Dalit communities along the Tamil Nadu coast, interviews with stakeholders, and analysis of reports by NGO and media sources.

India: 'Hidden Apartheid' of Discrimination Against Dalits - Government Fails to End Caste-Based Segregation and Attacks (press release HRW/CHR&GJ):
India has systematically failed to uphold its international legal obligations to ensure the fundamental human rights of Dalits, or so-called untouchables, despite laws and policies against caste discrimination, the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice and Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. More than 165 million Dalits in India are condemned to a lifetime of abuse simply because of their caste.
The 113-page report, Hidden Apartheid: Caste Discrimination against India’s ‘Untouchables’, was produced as a “shadow report” in response to India’s submission to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which monitors implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). The committee will review India’s compliance with the convention during hearings in Geneva on February 23 and 26.

MEPs say protection of Dalits in India is "grossly inadequate" (European Parliament):
Parliament adopted a resolution put forward by the Development Committee on the human rights situation of the Dalits in India. The resolution notes that implementation of laws protecting the rights of Dalits remains grossly inadequate, and that atrocities, untouchability, illiteracy, inequality of opportunity, manual scavenging, underpayment of wages, bonded labour, child labour and landlessness continue to blight the lives of India’s Dalits.

Anti-discrimination committee urges India to lift convention reservations, take steps on behalf of sexual violence victims, most-marginalized women (General Assembly, United Nations):
As the world’s largest democracy, India, with its vast population and complex cultural, religious and communal system, should join the ranks of other democracies by removing its reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and ratifying its Optional Protocol, lifting barriers to justice for the victims of sexual violence, and intervening on behalf of its most marginalized women, experts on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women said today, as it considered the country’s combined second and third periodic reports.

European Parliament resolution on the human rights situation of the Dalits in India (European Parliament)

European Parliament: India must get rid of caste discrimination (media release IDSN):
A resolution was adopted today by the Committee on Development of the European Parliament urging the Government of India to stop the violence against Dalits (formerly called ‘Untouchables’) and the widespread practices of untouchability. The Committee expressed its concern about the recurring refusal by the police to register and pursue cases of crimes committed against Dalits and the dismally low number of convictions of perpetrators for crimes against Dalits.

"We Want To Transform our Pain To Power"International Conference seeks urgent action on discrimination and violence against Dalit Women (press release IDSN):
Dalit women from South Asia are determined to "transform their pain into power". That was the main message of the two day international conference held in The Hague on the 20th and 21st of November 2006. It was the first international conference to discuss the issues of discrimination and violence against more than 100 million Dalit women. In The Hague Declaration on the Human Rights and Dignity of Dalit women the participants urged the governments of Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as the international community to support their struggle.

'The Hague Declaration on the Human Rights and Dignity of Dalit Women' (IDSN/DNN/....):
"We, the participants of the Hague Conference on Dalit Women’s Rights, held in The Hague on 20 and 21 November 2006, after deliberating upon the issues of discrimination, violence and impunity against Dalit women, adopt this Declaration on the Human Rights and Dignity of Dalit Women......"

Answers to questions by Jean Lambert (Verts/ALE) to the European Commission by Mrs Ferrero-Waldner, on behalf of the Commission :
Subject: Caste-based discrimination.

Answers to Parliamentary questions MEP Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit

Parliamentary questions MEP Margrete Auken (Verts/ALE)
on Dalits and child labour as points of interest for the EU-India Summit

Answer European Commission to letter International Dalit Solidarity Network (Aug 28, 2006) :
on discrimination based on work and descent as point of dialogue at the EU-India Summit

Written questions to European Commission by Max van den Berg (PvdA) :
on Dalits as points of interest for the EU-India Summit

Letter International Dalit Solidarity Network to European Commission (IDSN):
on discrimination based on work and descent as point of dialogue at the EU-India Summit

The Ambedkar Principles: Principles and Guidelines to address Caste Discrimination in the Private Sector (IDSN):
The principles and guidelines are developed to address caste discrimination, which remains one of the most serious human rights issues in the world today.

Answers by European Commission to written questions by Max van Berg (PvdA) :
(subm. Sep 20, 2005) on discrimination of Dalits

Questions by member of Dutch parliament Tjon-A-Ten (PvdA) :
to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the discrimination of Dalits

Delhi Declaration of National Summit On Reservation in Private Sector on the Nineth August 2005, Delhi

Discussion on discrimination based on work and descend in the UN Sub-Commission Human Rights

Industry backs plan for SCs, STs (The Hindu):
Several leading industrial houses have backed the Government's commitment to provide greater opportunities to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as part of affirmative action, including job reservation in the private sector.

Caste Discrimination and the Private Sector: Employment Principles for Foreign Investors in South Asia (Dalit Solidarity Network UK):
This report outlines the main arguments and issues raised in the seminar entitled Employment Principles for Foreign Investors in South Asia held on September 22nd 2004 in St Ethelburga’s centre, London. The seminar raised a number of important issues in relation to caste discrimination and foreign investment in South Asia.

PM forms panel of ministers for Dalit schemes (Express News Service):
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday constituted a committee of ministers on Dalit affairs to supervise programmes being run by various ministries and departments for welfare of Dalits.

Linking trade to human rights (Deccan Herald):
Many human rights organisations hold that diversity trade audits can be used to eliminate Dalit discrimination.

EU and India agree 'Strategic Partnership' (IPS News Agency):
The European Union and India have signed an unprecedented 'strategic partnership' deal amidst concerns over India's human rights record.

Speech Human Rights Ambassador P. de Klerk on the occasion of the launch DNN-campaign "Stop Caste Discrimination" (DNN)

Dalit Network Netherlands on the campaign trail (Dalit International Newsletter):
On October 9th 2004 the Dalit Network Netherlands (DNN) officially launches its campaign, Stop Caste Discrimination - Support the Dalits. It is a three-year campaign by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) coordinated by the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN). The campaign will combine informing the Dutch public about the situation of Dalits in countries affected by caste discrimination and advocating an active policy by policy makers in the (Dutch) government and the European Union. As ICN is also working on issues of labor rights, as well as child labor and education, it will also work on those issues from the angle of the plight of Dalits. For example, while campaigning on the implementation of labor rights by multinational companies in India, as well as in their sub-contracting chains, we will also draw attention to the need for a non-discrimination affirmative policy that creates job opportunities for Dalits on non-exploitative terms.

Discrimination based on work and descent (VN):
Resolutie of the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; with Statement of Indian Government about this resolution.

India: Probe Police Attacks on 'Untouchables' (Human Rights News):
The Indian government should immediately launch a full investigation into allegations that police used excessive force against Dalits (or "untouchables") who tried to participate in a religious ceremony in Tamil Nadu last week, Human Rights Watch said today.

New PM Faces Human Rights Challenges (Human Rights Watch):
"Dear Prime Minister Manmohan Singh:
Human Rights Watch congratulates you on assuming the office of prime minister.
India has long been recognized as an important model for a vibrant political culture in Asia. However, as you well know, India also faces serious human rights problems. Some of these have been exacerbated by government inattention, while others, unfortunately, are the direct result of government policies......."

Dutch government criticises India on caste discrimination and Gujarat - India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) urges for human rights dialogue at EU-India Summit in October (press release ICN):
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, Dr. B.R. Bot has expressed his concern about caste discrimination and has criticised the Indian government on the present situation in Gujarat. He did this in response to a letter on these issues sent by eight Dutch NGO's, including the India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN).

Response of the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to a letter of eight Dutch NGOs (Min. of Foreign Affairs):
Response to a letter of eight Dutch NGOs, including the India Committee of the Netherlands, sent Feb 19, 2004, regarding caste dicrimination and Gujarat.

European Parliament again urges EU to take up caste discrimination (ICN)

EU 'ignores' caste discrimination; Commission and council must act to halt 'hidden apartheid' (ICN)

Indian activists hail Dutch NGO's call to UN on caste, riots (Yahoo! News):
Indian activists are supporting a demand by eight Dutch non governmental organizations (NGOs) to raise the issue of human rights violations in India at the ongoing session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
In a letter to the Dutch foreign minister, the NGOs have stressed the need to highlight at the 60th session of the commission, on in Geneva till April 23, caste discrimination and the status of Muslims in Gujarat, a western Indian state that witnessed widespread anti-Muslim violence in 2002.

Statement on 'Caste-based Discrimination in Nepal' (Asian Legal Resource Centre)

Letter by the India Committee of the Netherlands and other organisations to the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs (ICN/...):
on caste discrimination and the incident of mass murder in Gujarat in 2002

Letter of EU commissioner Chris Patten to Member of European Parliament Bob van den Bos :
with regard to caste discrimination in India

Alternative report to the 16^th periodic report of State Party Nepal to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (Asian Legal Resource Centre):
The Asian Legal Resource Centre has prepared this report to coincide with the consideration of the joint 15^th and 16^th reports of the State of Nepal (the State) to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (the Committee), under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). The initial reports were due on 1 March 2000 and 2002 and were submitted in 2003, for consideration at the 64^th session of the Committee, 23 February - 12 March 2004.

Letter of Member of European Parliament Bob van den Bos to EU commissioner Chris Patten :
with regard to "Caste discrimination and the EU-India Summit, Nov 2003"

Letter of the International Dalit Solidarity Network to EU commissioner Chris Patten (IDSN):
with regard to "Caste discrimination and the EU-India Summit, Nov 2003"

Questions and answers European Parliament :
concerning caste discrimination in India

Human Rights Watch World Report 2003 (Human Rights Watch World)

General Recommendation on Descent-Based Discrimination (Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD))

Discrimination based on caste and similar forms of social hierarchy (The Lutheran World Federation):
Thematic discussion on discrimination on the ground of descent.

Manual scavenging - the most indecent form of work (Anti-Slavery International):
This paper draws attention to one of the most indecent, inhuman and degrading forms of work performed by Dalits (untouchables) in South Asia - the manual removal of human and animal excreta using brooms, small tin plates, and baskets carried on the head.

The Bhopal Declaration :
Adopted unanimously by The Bhopal Conference: Charting A New Course For Dalits For The 21st Century, held at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, 12-13 January 2002.

Statement on Dalits and the EU-India Summit: Cooperation Vital to Eradicate Caste Discrimination (IDSN):
The International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) is deeply disappointed that governments attending the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR) in Durban failed to address the issue of caste discrimination and related forms of discrimination based on work and descent. This form of discrimination affects the lives of an estimated 250 million Dalits in South Asia, as well as 3 million Burakumin in Japan and an unknown number in parts of Africa.

Answer to Letter to EU-commissioner Lamy :
(van 7 nov 2002) concerning caste discrimination with regard to the EU-India Top

Open Letter Members European Parliament :
on Dalits and the EU-India Summit

Letter to EU-commissioner Lamy :
concerning caste discrimination with regard to the EU-India Top

Caste and the World Conference Against Racism - A Roundup :
The issue of caste-based discrimination (and the similar forms of discrimination referred to by the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights as 'discrimination based on work and descent') was not addressed in the Declaration and Programme of Action adopted in Durban. Despite this lack of official recognition, the issue of discrimination based on caste and related forms of discrimination reached unprecedented levels of international prominence and media exposure during the WCAR and the preceding NGO Forum, due to the high degree of organization and visibility of the Dalit caucus.

Caste Discrimination: A global concern (Human Rights Watch):
A Report by Human Rights Watch for the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Durban, South Africa, September 2001.

Open Letter to the EU-INDIA Round Table (National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights/DanChurchaid/Platform Dalit Solidarity in Germany (including Bread for the World)/Dalit Solidarity Network/Anti-Slavery International/ICN):
on caste discrimination

Caste is a word India just doesn't want to hear (AHRChk.net):
The Indian government is involved in a series of diplomatic initiatives to prevent caste-based discrimination from being included on the agenda of a major United Nations conference on racism, and it appears to be winning the early rounds.

Final Declaration Of the Global Conference Against Racism and Caste-based Discrimination: Occupation and Descent-based Discrimination Against Dalits :
A conference in preparation for the UN World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.
The Global Conference Against Racism and Caste-based Discrimination was convened in New Delhi, 1-4 March 2001, and included representatives and victims from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Japan, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Caste and descent-based discrimination (IDSN):
Statement by the International Dalit Solidarity Network to the first preparatory committee for the WCAR (the world conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance).