At the 29^th session of the UN Human Rights Council, IDSN, with a number of sponsors, held a parallel event on “Caste and gender-based forced and bonded labour” The event included a keynote video address by the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of Slavery, Ms. Urmila Bhoola and allowed for a constructive dialogue as well as a sharing of information and recommendations between UN agencies, civil society and States. (Source IDSN)

“Caste-based discrimination is globally the most neglected form of discrimination, which seems to be accepted by countries and the UN through a lenient approach of cultural relativism instead of a firm stand against a most devious way of discrimination.” Coen Kompier, Senior Specialist, ILO

“Successful fight against stigmatisation and deeply entrenched discrimination necessitates the involvement of all, which is only possible by means of broad awareness raising, increased social consciousness and denouncing of continued discrimination based on caste, gender and other factors that undermine human dignity and violate human rights. Events such as this one are an important part of it.” Urmila Bhoola, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery