UN UPR Review: UN member states call on India to address caste discrimination

At the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of India, several UN member states called on the country to address caste discrimination. During the review, India received eight recommendations on caste-related issues. Ahead of the review IDSN submitted a Joint Stakeholder Submission to raise awareness of Dalit issues, and facilitated the participation of Dalit human rights activists in the UPR pre-session. India accepted the majority of the recommendations, however, concerns were raised about the increase in rape cases and barriers to accessing justice for victims of caste-based discrimination. The outcome report of India was adopted in the March Session of the UN 52nd Human Rights Council. Dalit human rights defender, Manjula Pradeep, was able to give a statement during the adoption. You can watch her powerful statement here. 

Caste-based discrimination in the leather industry in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan

A new paper released by IDSN associate ARISA (Advocating Rights in South Asia) examines the interlinkages between labour exploitation in the leather industry in South Asia and caste. The paper shows that caste and related discriminatory practices, at times specifically interwoven with religion, are high risk factors for businesses that source leather or leather products from India, Bangladesh or Pakistan. It explains how caste-based and religious-based discrimination presents itself in these countries and how this connects to the leather industry.

Submission on the situation of Dalits in Bangladesh for the UN Universal Periodic Review

IDSN submitted a Joint NGO report on the situation of Dalits in Bangladesh in advance of the review of Bangladesh for the UPR mechanisms fourth cycle. The report critically evaluates Bangladesh's three previous cycles of the UPR, in 2009, 2013, and 2018, focusing on recommendations concerning ethnic and religious minorities and the Anti-Discrimination Bill accepted by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB). It also offers a comprehensive look at the country's progress in addressing caste discrimination and protecting Dalit rights, while shedding light on the work that still needs to be done​. 

Bangladesh: Gathering momentum for inclusive anti-discrimination legislation

In a significant step towards fostering equality and social justice, the Bangladesh Dalit Parishad (BDP) and Parittran recently organised a National Consultation Meeting on the Anti-Discrimination Bill-2022. Held in Dhaka, the event served as a platform for diverse stakeholders to provide feedback and recommendations on the proposed legislation. The meeting aimed to address the concerns and aspirations of Dalits in Bangladesh, while paving the way for a more inclusive society. In this article we look at the main outcome and topics discussed at the consultation. 

Pakistan UPR review: caste-related recommendations

The outcome report on the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Pakistan has been published and will be adopted during the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council held from 19 June to 14 July 2023. The outcomes of the review have implications for all marginalised communities in Pakistan, including the Dalits, who form a significant portion of the religious and ethnic minority groups in the country. Ahead of the review IDSN participated in the UPR Pre-Session and submitted a joint stakeholder submission on the human rights situation of Dalits in Pakistan.

Progress in the fight to #EndCasteDiscrimination in the global South Asian diaspora

Over the past few months the campaign to end caste discrimination in key South Asian diaspora communities has gathered momentum. Anti-caste groups and activists in the US, Canada, UK and Australia have carried out targeted advocacy and made significant progress towards the goal of ensuring protections and legal recourse for those experiencing caste discrimination in South Asian communities globally. In this article we sum up some of the current developments. 

Updates from the work towards #CasteGenderJustice in Nepal

IDSN member, the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO), shared some of its work towards #CaseGenderJustice in its latest quarterly news update. FEDO has been part of a two-day regional conference on forced labour and trafficking of Dalit women and girls, where participants from South Asian countries shared the situation of their communities  and survivors shared their stories. Additionally, FEDO actively participated in the Global 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls, organising programmess across the country and highlighting success stories of Dalit women. Other events included discussions on combating caste and gender-based prejudice, climate change sessions for students, capacity-building workshops and the promotion of youth engagement in local governance and development. Read the FEDO newsletter  for the full stories. 

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