The United Nations envisions a safer, more stable and more equal world through its sustainable development goals. In this series of articles, one particular goal which concerns itself with the reduction of inequality within and among countries (Number 10) will be examined in light of caste discrimination. The UN highlighted through the gini index that certain marginalised groups have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic (e.g. refugees, women, etc.).

However, there are certain types of discrimination such as caste discrimination that often goes undetected. In brief, caste discrimination is “where society is divided up into different groups, with those who have more power at the top and those who have little or no power at the bottom”. This series of articles will explore the issue of caste discrimination and also provide an expert opinion from Meena Varma from the The International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN).

We had the chance to speak to Meena who is the the Executive Director of IDSN about her work and experience in trying to raise awareness about caste discrimination. She provided information regarding the work done by the IDSN.

“The International Dalit Solidarity Network – IDSN – works on a global level for the elimination of caste discrimination and similar forms of discrimination based on work and descent.

We link grassroot priorities with international mechanisms and institutions in order to change policies and practices that lead to caste discrimination.

International advocacy

United Nations

We support the recognition of caste discrimination as a serious human rights problem and encourage states to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights of Dalits and other caste affected groups.

European Union

Engaging with the European Union institutions – the Council, Commission and Parliament – we call on the EU and its member states to make sure its own policies and its relations with caste affected countries are contributing towards diminishing caste discrimination.

South Asia

We provide international support for the work of national advocacy platforms as they promote Dalit rights and call on governments to live up to their obligations under national and international law.

Globally

We mobilise policy makers, civil society activists, journalists, researchers and other people of conscience all over the world to join us in the struggle against caste discrimination.

Our objectives include:

Advocating for Dalit rights by influencing the policies and practices of governments and international bodies and institutions;
Monitoring the enforcement and implementation of measures aimed at combating caste discrimination;
Working towards global recognition of Dalit Human Rights and contributing to the fight against caste discrimination globally by raising awareness and building solidarity;
Facilitating Dalit rights interventions internationally, including before the European Commission and European Parliament, UN human rights mechanisms, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and other forums;
Creating and maintaining a resource base that facilitates and strengthens solidarity and representative functions especially at the UN, ILO and other related multilateral bodies, and international financial institutions (such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank)”

By Alexandra Bjorustad

What is Caste Discrimination?