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IDSN's Monthly Newsletter - Keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the struggle to end caste discrimination
Dear subscribers, welcome to the redesigned newsletter. Top stories are offered below and more news is available by clicking the more news links at the bottom of the newsletter or the new publications, new press clippings, or events  links in the right hand column.

EU: MEPs speak out on caste discrimination

Following a February hearing on caste discrimination in the European Parliament several MEPs are urging the EU to do more to fight one of the biggest human rights issues in the world and have issued press releases and an opinion piece including comments on the EU-India FTA. IDSN presented at the hearing alongside UN and EU experts. Read the IDSN press release on the hearing > & Read MEPs statements and press releases >

UN: Call for action to tackle caste discrimination

Joining a number of Dalit activists, the Independent Expert on minority issues called on governments, UN agencies, and civil society to advance the global struggle against caste discrimination at a side-event, organised by IDSN & IMADR, held during the 16th session of the Human Rights Council on 16 March.
Read more on the side-event >


UN: CERD addresses caste discrimination against the Al Akhdam in Yemen:

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination addressed the plight of the Al Akhdam community in Yemen – a group excluded from mainstream society as an “untouchable” ethnic outcaste – and mentioned this group as a serious concern in the Concluding Observations from 10 March 2011. Read reports, list of issues, and concluding observations >>  

Nepal Government urged to act on commitments to fight caste discrimination

On the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) and the National Dalit Commission (NDC) alongside the AHRC and the JMC, released statements urging the Government to live up to its UPR commitments. Read the statements >
 

Hundreds of Dalit homes bulldozed without warning

India: 750 huts were bulldozed as residents fled. Residents were not warned of the demolition or given time to collect their belongings. Read the news > 

India’s Budget: Dalits denied funds

Funds that were meant to be allocated to Dalits and Tribals have not materialised in India's new national budget. Dalit activists and organisations are fed up with the Government shortchanging the most vulnerable groups in India. Read more >

Bangladesh: NHRC Chairman urges Government to protect Dalits Read more here >
 

Bangadesh: New publications released

Dalit Rights Are Human Rights > OWA/ DFID/ IDSN/ BDERM/ NU 
Dalit Women in Bangladesh - Multiple Exclusions > BDERM/ NU
 
Copyright © 2011 International Dalit Solidarity Network