The India Committee of the Netherlands (ICN) is a human rights organisation dedicated to improving the lives of the marginalized in South Asia by giving information, awareness raising, advocacy, lobby, networking, research and publicity. To achieve its goals ICN cooperates with local organisations in India as well as organisations in the Netherlands, Europe and worldwide.

The four main themes of the ICN are:

1. Child labour and education
2. Corporate accountability in sectors such as garments, natural stone, seeds and tea
3. Dalits (caste discrimination)
4. Human Rights: policies and practices in India

These themes are paramount for 15 to 20 years now. A small organisation can only be effective with a long-term commitment to a few crucial thematic issues, and in that way builds expertise, a good network and strong coalitions. In the past we mainly worked with Dutch and Indian NGOs, nowadays we increasingly participate in European and international coalitions.

Over the years more linkages were established between our themes and therefore more opportunities for action and influence. For example, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can play an important role in eradicating child labour and caste discrimination. Besides that, we look specifically to child labour and the access to education of Dalit children and use that knowledge in our CSR activities.

The geographic focus of the ICN is shifting from India to South Asia. The political and economic relations of India with countries in the region have become more important. In addition, our themes are not limited to India but they are also very relevant to other South Asian countries. Discrimination against Dalits occurs across South Asia and violations of labour rights in the textile and clothing industry are a regional problem.

ICN cooperates with a wide variety of organisations that fight for global justice. The cooperation with local organisations is of great importance to gain insight in human rights and labour rights violations in India/ South Asia and to take joint action accordingly. Based on the expertise from the past 40 years, ICN contributes to solutions for the problems raised by these local NGO’s.