Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent - GFoD

Algorithmic Bias, Gender Justice, and Descent-Based Discrimination: Ensuring AI Works for All Women and Girls
2026-03-18 11:30 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | Conference Room E, UN Headquarters, New York, United States
Gender discrimination remains deeply rooted in many societies and is often experienced through intersectional forms of inequality shaped by factors such as descent, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and digital access. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded across sectors, these intersecting inequalities risk being replicated and amplified through algorithmic systems.
Tools like risk prediction algorithms, forecasting-based law enforcement, automated welfare allocation, and online judicial processing are transforming decisions on entitlements, aid delivery, and legal remedies. Without global guidelines, openness, redress mechanisms, or
rights protections, these technologies frequently amplify entrenched gender disparities, embedding biases from past records, enforcement histories, and bureaucratic routines.
For women and girls from communities discriminated against on work and descent (CDWD)—including Dalit, Roma, Quilombola, Haratine, Burakumin, and other similarly affected groups—the risks are particularly severe. These communities already experience structural discrimination, over-policing, exclusion from services, biased judicial treatment, and chronic under-reporting of violence. When AI models are trained on biased data reflecting caste-, ethnicity-, or descent-based prejudices, the resulting systems risk:

Disproportionately flagging CDWD youth as “high-risk”
Intensifying surveillance of CDWD neighbourhoods
Automating exclusion from welfare or social-protection schemes
Misclassifying or deprioritizing CDWD women’s cases of violence
Reinforcing discriminatory employment and labour-market barriers

This session delves into AI’s influence on women’s and girls’ pathways to justice, emphasizing compounded vulnerabilities from overlapping discriminations. It will also provide a timely platform for discussion ahead of the Working Group’s forthcoming thematic report to be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2026.
Objectives

Analyse how current uses of AI in governance, justice systems, and policing
reproduce gender, caste, ethnicity, and descent-based inequalities.
Highlight lived experiences of women and girls from CDWD communities regarding
AI-driven exclusion, surveillance, and barriers to justice.
Discuss safeguards and regulatory frameworks needed to ensure AI
strengthens—rather than undermines—women’s access to justice and protection
from violence.
Examine opportunities for AI to expand legal empowerment and support for survivors
when human-rights-based digital governance is applied.

To join this event please register here.
Partners
Permanent Mission of Albania to the UN New York
UN Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls (WGDAWG)
The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD)
The Inclusivity Project (TIP)
European Union Delegation to the United Nations in New York

Hidden and Normalized Inequality and Violence: The Realities of Women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
2026-03-16 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Drew Room, UN Church Center
Across the world, women from communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD)—including Dalit, Quilombola, Haratine, and Roma women—continue to face extreme, multidimensional, and often invisible forms of gender-based violence. Despite decades of international commitments, the violence they face remains under-reported, under-researched, and absent from global policy dialogues.
The new UN Women Policy Paper on Women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent provides the first-ever UN system guidance to understand and address the structural, gendered, and systemic violence affecting these communities. This side event will showcase lived experiences, evidence, and grassroots strategies from CDWD women leaders and will highlight policy gaps in national, regional, and global responses to gender-based violence.

Women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent Claim Climate Justice
2026-03-11 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Climate change disproportionately impacts women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, compounding entrenched structural inequalities. Caste- and descent-based discrimination, landlessness, inherited livelihood insecurity, and poverty intensify their exposure to climate shocks. The consequences include loss of livelihoods, displacement, increased unpaid care responsibilities, heightened risks of gender-based violence, and exclusion from relief, recovery, and climate finance.
Convened by The Inclusivity Project (TIP) in collaboration with GFoD, ADRF, CONAQ, and the ERGO Network, this parallel event will center lived experiences and grassroots resilience while examining critical gaps in climate policy and justice frameworks that overlook caste- and descent-based exclusion.
Grounded in a rights-based and intersectional approach, the session will promote inclusive climate governance and strengthen the leadership and meaningful participation of historically marginalized women in shaping equitable and sustainable solutions.
The session will be held in English, with interpretation available.
Click here for the Zoom Link to the event.

Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Equitable Participation in Local Governance and Public Life
2026-03-09 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Church Center for the United Nations (Drew Room)
The Asia Dalit Rights Forum, in collaboration with the The Inclusivity Project, Feminist Dalit Organisation (FEDO Nepal), and Dalit Women Forum/Nagorik Uddyog, will host an in-person parallel event during CSW70.
This event addresses the systemic barriers that prevent Dalit, Roma, Quilombola, and Palenque women — particularly those from communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) — from fully participating in local governance and public decision-making processes. Despite global commitments to gender equality and justice, these women remain severely underrepresented in leadership roles and excluded from shaping policies that directly affect their lives.
Failure to confront these structural inequalities threatens progress toward SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The discussion will explore transformative legal reforms, inclusive justice systems, and strategies to dismantle discriminatory laws, policies, and practices. Speakers will highlight the urgent need to strengthen representation and meaningful participation of marginalized women at all levels of governance.
Bringing together young Dalit, Roma, and other marginalized women leaders, this dialogue will foster cross-regional solidarity and generate actionable strategies to advance women’s full and effective participation in public life and improve access to justice.

A Step Forward at the UN to Address Hierarchical Oppression – Strengthening International Standards to Protect Descent Communities
2025-11-28 14:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Discrimination based on Work and Descent (DWD) affects over 270 million people globally, often manifesting as social exclusion based on inherited status, practices of untouchability, and notions of “purity and pollution”. When groups face extreme forms of discrimination in accessing employment, education, healthcare, and housing, their capacity to contribute to national development is severely curtailed.
While some States have constitutional and legal frameworks to protect minority rights, implementation and consistent enforcement remain weak, leading to systemic exclusion. This side event will prioritize identifying concrete measures and strategies necessary to eliminate these deep-seated discriminatory practices, recognize the intersecting challenges faced by CDWD members and ensure the promise of the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind” is realized.
The contribution of the Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWDs) to peaceful and cohesive societies is undeniable. Rather than mere victims of systemic and intergenerational forms of discrimination, these communities are agents of change. They are the protagonists of tolerant, inclusive and diverse societies worldwide, including economic development, culture, media, and the performing arts. These contributions are often overlooked, suppressed, or even appropriated by dominant groups who may pass them off as their own. Despite their positive impact, CDWD communities are frequently denied due recognition and are instead subjected to harmful stereotypes that portray them as backward, unskilled, and only suited for the most menial roles.
There is growing and steady recognition of CDWDs through several other UN mechanisms, such as the UPR, communications of special procedures and periodic reviews of treaty-bodies. This recognition, however, materialized in a fragmented manner, through several standards and mechanisms, which do not provide sufficient protection to over 260 million persons under this condition.
Objectives
The side event aims to:

Scrutinize existing state institutional arrangements, such as quotas, commissions, or advisory bodies, to determine why they often fail to ensure adequate and equitable representation and address the interests of smaller minority groups.
Adopt a robust intersectional approach in all programmes and policies, addressing the double marginalization faced by specific groups, such as CDWD women, girls, youth, and LGBTQ individuals, who face exclusion both from the majority society and sometimes their own communities.
Urge the UN mechanisms to adhere to key human rights standards and strengthen global standards on CDWD, ensuring the specific form of hierarchical oppression based on work and descent is recognized and consistently reflected in national laws and practices.

Designing Inclusive Futures: People-First Solutions for Social Inclusion and Equal Opportunities for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
2025-11-05 15:00 - 16:30 (Asia/Qatar) | Online: Zoom
#HEARUSNOW
Background:As the WSSD-2 convenes, this Solutions Session will spotlight community-led and multi-stakeholder initiatives addressing those most affected by social crises. Youth groups, stakeholders, IGOs, and Member States will present case studies/solutions focused on the contexts of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) with intersections to Indigenous Peoples, and Migrants/Refugees under the theme of social inclusion and decent work for all.
A regional analysis, compiled by UNECE as an input to WSSD-2, elaborates how poverty and exclusion disproportionately affect frontline groups. While extreme monetary poverty is rare in some regions, multidimensional poverty rates exceed 20%, hitting women, children, Roma communities, and migrants hardest. This highlights the deep structural inequalities that must frame WSSD-2 discussions. The 2024 report on the status of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) – which includes Dalits in South Asia, Haratin and Osu in Africa, Roma in Europe, and Quilombolas in Latin America – shows that over 270 million people face entrenched discrimination. Despite 80 years of UN efforts, concepts of untouchability persist, denying these communities access to decent work, education, justice, and secure livelihoods, with discrimination ingrained in social systems. This is worsened by environmental crises and economic precarity, hitting Indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and other marginalized groups hardest, especially children and young women. Yet CDWD and excluded youth are leading change and advancing justice, and building societies rooted in dignity and equity.

Against this backdrop, this session will:

Showcase case studies from CDWD organisations and allied partners, with a cross-cutting focus on youth, Indigenous peoples, and refugees

Highlight key solutions – in the form of policy suggestions and concrete actions proposed by the CDWD youth groups, UN agencies, and other stakeholders – and the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in delivering these

The session will culminate in a compendium of solutions/policy recommendations as a resource for Summit follow-up and implementation.
Systemic exclusion affects many communities — including CDWD, Indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, and those experiencing homelessness — driven by structural discrimination, displacement, climate crises, and economic precarity. These impacts fall hardest on children and youth, especially young women. For many, migration becomes the only option amid collapsing ecosystems, insecure land rights, and shrinking labor markets, yet pathways remain unsafe and exploitative. In the face of these challenges, CDWD and other excluded youth are leading change: challenging discrimination, demanding migration justice, advancing climate resilience, and shaping rights-based solutions for livelihoods, land, and water. Their leadership and solidarity are essential to building societies rooted in dignity, justice, and equity.
Objectives:

Identify and dismantle systemic barriers faced by communities discriminated on work and descent, Indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and other excluded groups by surfacing community-driven and youth-led solutions that advance decent work, social inclusion, and human rights.
Propose and showcase scalable community- and youth-led innovations – from local to global levels – that address discrimination, migration justice, gender inequality and economic exclusion, with clear pathways for policy adoption and institutionalisation.
Generate actionable, gender-responsive policy solutions rooted in grassroots experiences, to inform WSSD2 outcomes and align with SDGs on poverty eradication, decent work and social inclusion.
Foster international solidarity and resource solutions that work by securing commitments to support community, women and youth-led solutions through funding, capacity strengthening and rights-based partnerships at all levels.

FORMAT:
Opening Remarks (5 mins)
Solutions Showcase – Youth and Community Leaders (20 mins)
Policy and Partnerships Dialogue (15 mins)
Interactive Co-creation Segment (15 mins)
Closing & Way Forward (5 mins)

Featured Event at the Civil Society Forum – World Summit for Social Development
2025-11-05 11:45 - 12:45 (Europe/Moscow) | Room #14, Exhibition Hall #7, Doha, Qatar
Intersectional Justice for Women and Girls: Structural Change and Leadership
📍 Doha, Qatar – 5 November 2025, 11:45 AM–12:45 PM(AST / UTC+3)
Register here
The Inclusivity Project (TIP), in partnership with the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), UN Women, ERGO Network, and other global partners, invites you to a powerful session spotlighting the leadership of women from communities facing descent-based discrimination.
This interactive event, part of the Civil Society Forum during the Second World Summit for Social Development, will explore how women from Dalit, Roma, Haratin, Quilombola and other communities are driving systemic change through creative storytelling, policy advocacy, and community-led action.
Through art, dialogue, and lived experience, the session aims to inspire structural transformation and advance intersectional justice, ensuring no one is left behind in the global pursuit of equality and dignity.
For any inquiry about the event do not hesitate to reach out to:Simona Torotcoi (GFoD) – simona@globalforumcdwd.orgKunjani Pariyar Pyasi – pkunjani123@gmail.com

Call for Expressions of Interest: GFoD Civil Society Preparations for the 2026 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)
2025-10-30 - 2026-01-15
The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) invites civil society organizations (CSOs), advocates, and experts to participate in our 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR) preparation process. This initiative focuses on amplifying the voices of Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD) and ensuring their inclusion in the global VNR process.

GFoD’s involvement in the VNRs
Across the globe, communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) have been left out of national sustainable development strategies and action plans. Ensuring “No one is left behind” in the developmental planning and implementation of the SDGs is one of the key priorities of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent.
For the last few years, the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent as part of the UN Major Groups and Other Stakeholders, has been engaging in the National Voluntary Reviews (VNRs), presenting the viewpoint of our communities across the world (i.e., Roma, Haratins, Buraku, Dalits, Quilombola, etc.). The Major Groups and Other Stakeholders provide the space for stakeholder engagement around the High Level Political Forum (HLPF). Stakeholders can also engage by: providing inputs to and reviewing drafts of VNRs of their respective countries; representing their constituents as part of government delegations; and participating in the presentation of the VNR to the HLPF.
This year we would like to support those civil society representatives and other stakeholders interested in getting involved into their national VNRs, by providing the in-house knowledge and resources (i.e., training) on how to best engage in such advocacy activities from the perspective of communities discriminated on work and descent!
More about the VNRs
As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member States to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Following 37 states have expressed interest to carry out voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the 2026 HLPF:
Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Estonia, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kiribati, Liberia, Malawi, the Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Norway, the Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Switzerland, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Uruguay.
VNR webinars with a focus on Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
GFoD offers a comprehensive program to support CDWD-focused civil society engagement in the 2025 VNR process through a series of monthly webinars (online):
Webinar 1: What is the VNR? Relevance for CDWD

Learn about the VNR process, its objectives, and why it is critical for CDWD communities to be represented.

Webinar 2: How You Can Get Involved in Your Country’s VNR?

Explore strategies for engaging with your government, contributing to consultations, and mobilizing your networks for VNR participation.

Webinar 3: Integrating the Perspective of CDWD in the VNRs

Discover how to ensure CDWD perspectives are included in national and thematic VNR reports, interventions, and statements.

If you are a CSO, advocate, or expert interested in ensuring CDWD voices are heard in the 2025 VNR process, register for the Webinar Series to build your understanding and capacity.
To express your interest please fill out this form by January 15, 2026: https://forms.gle/EMcjjkcjQJsjmHMc7
Additionally, we encourage you to share this invitation and information with all relevant stakeholders who might be interested in contributing to this important initiative.
Your commitment to this endeavor will play a vital role in ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of civil society are well-represented during the HLPF 2026.
Interpretation will be provided, if requested.
Read more about the 2026 VNRs here: Voluntary National Reviews | High-Level Political Forum
We look forward to your active participation and collaboration in this significant effort.

Fourth Financing for Development Conference – Seville Virtual Event: Advancing Inclusive Development Through Accountable and People-Centered Social Protection
2025-06-30
Governments and international partners must prioritize social protection systems that are inclusive, accountable, and rooted in human rights. This panel explores how participatory frameworks, budget justice, and community-led action can help dismantle systemic discrimination—including discrimination based on work and descent (DWD)—and achieve equitable development.
🤝 Co-organized by: The Inclusivity Project (TIP), International Budget Partnership, Eurodad, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work & Descent (GFoD) and partners.

Roma Youth at the Forefront: Promoting Rights, Inclusion, and Equality through the SDGs
2025-06-28 16:30 - 19:00 (Europe/Skopje) | Online: Zoom
Join us for a Europe-wide virtual event on Roma youth and Sustainable Development Goals!
Roma Youth at the Forefront: Promoting Rights, Inclusion, and Equality through the SDGs
Co-organized by: GFoD, ERGO Network, ternYpe, and UNMGCY
Date: 28 June
Time: 13:00 CET/16:30 IST/11:00 GMT
Virtual Event – Register here: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/wo9dXKvkQEmX0bxPyLw25g
Across Europe and beyond, Roma youth are rising against deeply rooted antigypsyism, and discrimination based on work and descent. This event will spotlight their efforts and leadership in achieving the SDGs—particularly around poverty, education, decent work, inequality, and justice.
The event will feature inspiring contributions from
Romina Grigore, Salzburg Seminar Fellow
Petr Banda, Member of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe
Bianca Galusca from FAGiC
Sergen Gul, Romani Godi
Thansis Mitrou, ActRom
Representatives from TernYpe
UN Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY).
We are also proud to launch two groundbreaking reports authored by Fikrija Tair Selmani and Maria Atanasova, highlighting the rights and leadership of Roma women!
Highlights include:
Launch of dedicated reports on Roma women and girls in Europe
Insightful dialogues on work and descent-based discrimination
Best practices from Roma-led youth movements
Spotlight on key SDGs for Roma youth
Certificates of participation will be awarded!
We are looking forward to your engagement and participation!

HEAR US NOW: Advancing Inclusion and Justice: Empowering Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) and other marginalised communities, Including Non-Binary Individuals, in SDG 16 and SDG 17
2025-04-17 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Online: Zoom
HEAR US NOW: Advancing Inclusion and Justice: Empowering Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) and other marginalised communities, Including Non-Binary Individuals, in SDG 16 and SDG 17
Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development
SIDE EVENTS AT THE 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM
1. Background
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), including non-binary individuals, have historically faced systemic exclusion, social stigma, and structural inequalities that impact their access to justice (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and their ability to participate in partnerships for sustainable development (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). Discrimination in employment, education, governance, and public services has perpetuated cycles of poverty and denied these communities the fundamental human rights necessary for sustainable development.
Despite global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these communities remain largely invisible in policymaking and program implementation. This side event aims to shed light on their challenges and propose concrete policy interventions to ensure that no one is left behind in the realization of SDG 16 and SDG 17.

2. Objectives of the Side Event

Raise Awareness: Highlight the systemic discrimination faced by CDWD, including non-binary individuals, and its impact on access to justice and global partnerships.
Strengthen Policy Advocacy: Advocate for the inclusion of CDWD in national and international SDG strategies, with a focus on justice and participatory governance.
Facilitate Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Engage youth leaders, policymakers, UN agencies, and civil society actors to co-create solutions for inclusive justice systems and meaningful partnerships.
Foster Youth Participation: Empower young people from CDWD backgrounds, including non-binary individuals, to share their experiences and shape policy recommendations.

3. Programme and Speakers/Panelists
Opening Remarks:

MGCY Representative
Africa Youth Expert- Alima Taal, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent

Panel Discussion:

Moderator: Naveen Kumar Gautam(DWD Focal Point-MGCY)
Panelists:

Youth leader from a CDWD community from Europe-tbc
Human rights advocate working on social justice from Asia-Nikita Sonavane
Health expert specializing in marginalized communities from Africa- Halimatou Cassey
Representative from a multilateral organization – Baishali, International Labour Organisation
Representative from Migration Youth and Children Platform-Tony Mullenzi

Interactive Q&A and Open Discussion
Need for a forum working on Rights of CDWD Youth

Asia
Africa
Europe
Latin Ameica

Closing Remarks:

Summary of key takeaways
Call to action for policymakers and stakeholders
Need for a forum working on Rights of CDWD Youth

4. Guiding Questions for Discussion

What are the key barriers to healthcare access for CDWD, and how can they be addressed through policy interventions?
How can SDG 16 and SDG 17 be leveraged to ensure justice and protection for CDWD communities facing discrimination and exclusion?
What role can youth play in advocating for the rights and inclusion of CDWD in national and international SDG policies?
How can governments, civil society, and international organizations collaborate to create an inclusive framework for SDG implementation?
What best practices exist for integrating CDWD concerns into national development strategies, and how can they be scaled?

5. Venue – Virtual: Zoom
Registration Link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/JgcsoUh0QwiAEdLh9QlXpw

“Hear Us Now: Harnessing Science for Decent Work and Economic Inclusion of CDWD Youth"
2025-04-16 13:15 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Youth at the Forefront: Leveraging Science and Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development”
SIDE EVENTS AT THE 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM
Background:
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) face systemic exclusion, economic marginalization, and barriers to decent work (SDG 8). Science, technology, and innovation have the potential to break these cycles of discrimination by creating inclusive economic opportunities, fostering digital empowerment, and promoting equitable access to resources.
Despite the challenges, CDWD Youth are attempting this transformation, leveraging Science with social inclusion strategies advocating to build a more sustainable and just world. This side event highlights youth-led solutions that promote economic justice, decent work, and social equity for marginalized communities.
Objectives:
Showcase youth-driven innovations using science, technology, and social inclusion to address discrimination in employment and economic participation.
Discuss the role of Science and Technology in education, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion in breaking generational poverty and exclusion among CDWD.
Provide a platform for youth voices to share best practices and advocate for policies that integrate marginalized groups into sustainable development frameworks.
Foster networking and collaboration between youth, policymakers, development agencies, and civil society organizations while attempting to break barriers within and build bridges between the youth of a diverse background.
Proposed Schedule:
Event Format & Key Components (90 minutes)

Opening Remarks (12 min)

Moderator introduction and event objectives. (4mins)- Sri Yash Tadailmala, SPI Youth Platform, MGCY
Keynote speech by a CDWD youth leader or policy expert on leveraging science and social inclusion for decent work and economic justice (SDG 8). (8mins)- Naveen Gautam, GFP, MGCY and The Inclusivity Project

Panel Discussion: Youth-Led Innovations for Inclusive Development (40 min)
Youth experts discuss:
✔ Tech for Economic Justice. Impact of AI and Digital tools in generating Decent work opportunity for youth from CDWD and other marginalised communities.-8 min- Sachidanand

✔ Inclusive ST Education for CDWD youth: breaking barriers for CDWD youth to access quality education and employment.-8 min- Kunjani Pariyar
✔ Entrepreneurship & Social Innovation – Youth-led businesses tackling economic exclusion and promoting sustainable livelihoods.- TBC
✔ Policy & Advocacy – Bridging science and social inclusion to support fair labor practices and employment rights.-8 min- Natalia

Need to discuss about Goal 17

How can governments, international organizations, and civil society collaborate to create inclusive labor policies for CDWD youth?
What role can intergovernmental partnerships (UN, ILO, etc.) play in ensuring fair wages, social protection, and labor rights for marginalized communities?

Panelists from Asia(Deepesh), Africa(Zienabou), Europe(TBC) and Latin America(JEAN): CDWD Youth advocates, social entrepreneurs and research experts.(TBC)

Open floor – Q&A and Discussion – think of some discussion points – what are the challenges faced by Youth and how are they being addressed?. (20 mins)

What financial and structural challenges prevent young entrepreneurs from scaling their impact and contributing effectively to SDG 8, particularly in underprivileged communities?
Can you share examples of successful programs or policies that have helped marginalized youth gain access to quality Science and Technology education and employment?
How are youth-led businesses and social enterprises creating sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized communities?

Call to Action, Policy Recommendation & Networking (20 min)-Break out rooms

Discussion on stakeholder support for youth-led efforts toward decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Audience Q&A and commitments for inclusive sustainable development.
Collaboration opportunities and brief discussion on forming a CDWD youth forum.
What do we take to HLPF and World Social Summit as CDWD youth?

Guiding Questions for discussion/s

How can emerging technologies (AI digital platforms) be leveraged to create decent work opportunities (SDG 8) for marginalized communities, including CDWD?
Can you share examples of successful programs or policies that have helped marginalized youth gain access to quality Science and Technology education and employment?
How are youth-led businesses and social enterprises creating sustainable economic opportunities for marginalized communities?
What financial or structural support do young entrepreneurs need to scale their impact and contribute to SDG 8?
What policy recommendations would you give to governments and international organizations to ensure fair labor practices and equal economic opportunities for CDWD youth?

Venue: Online (Zoom)
Time: 90 minutes
INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE IN FRENCH AND PORTUGUESE
Registration link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/MQa37WQPT0Crxaf-jqb0iw

Empowering Roma Women: Advancing Gender Equality and Inclusion in the Context of SDG 5
2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/Paris)
Roma women continue to face discrimination and marginalization
across Europe, experiencing gender inequality and intersectional discrimination.
This exclusion limits their ability to contribute to sustainable development. SDG 5
calls for gender equality, recognizing it as essential for sustainable development.
The event will address the challenges Roma women face and explore solutions to
promote their inclusion in SDGs through policies and initiatives ensuring equal
access to opportunities.
Context: This event comes at a pivotal moment as we continue to strive toward achieving the United
Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which calls for gender
equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. However, Roma women across
Europe remain among the most marginalized and discriminated against, facing both gender
inequality and intersectional discrimination.
This exclusion limits not only their personal opportunities but also hinders broader progress
towards sustainable development. To address these challenges, we must ensure that the
voices of Roma women are included in shaping the future of our societies and that their
rights are fully recognized within the framework of SDG 5.
This event will further allow us to highlight the challenges faced by Roma women,
particularly in relation to the Beijing Platform for Action +30 reviews. These reports, which
examine the progress and gaps in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action, have consistently shown that Roma women are excluded from national policy
measures at the national level and continue to face significant barriers in education,
employment, healthcare, and political participation. These gaps must be addressed if we are
to fulfill the promises of gender equality made decades ago.
Moreover, it’s important to acknowledge the efforts made by regional and international
bodies, such as the European Union and the Council of Europe, in supporting Roma
inclusion. The EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation,
which outlines the European Union's commitment to improving the lives of Roma people,
includes critical objectives to combat discrimination and enhance opportunities for Roma
women. Yet, despite these frameworks, the full realization of equality for Roma women
remains an ongoing struggle. This event seeks to bridge these gaps by bringing together
policymakers, civil society, and Roma women themselves to discuss actionable solutions for
meaningful inclusion. Furthermore, the Council of Europe has long been involved in
advancing the rights of Roma women, advocating for legal reforms and policies that address
gender-based violence, economic inclusion, and political participation. This includes pushing
for Roma women to be meaningfully represented in political spaces and decision-making
bodies, ensuring that their needs are not overlooked in the development of policies and laws.
The OSCE Action Plan for Roma and Sinti offers a strong framework that aims to enhance
the protection of Roma and Sinti rights, with specific focus on their inclusion in the political,
social, and economic spheres. It also highlights the need for targeted measures to address
the specific challenges Roma women face in their daily lives. This Plan underscores the
importance of education, employment, healthcare, and anti-discrimination measures — all of
which are vital to achieving equality for Roma women.
This event aims to build on these frameworks and commitments, focusing on how we can
make SDG 5 a reality for Roma women. We will discuss the intersectional barriers they face,
explore regional and national solutions, and work together to ensure that Roma women are
fully included in sustainable development processes.
——–
Agenda
Welcome and Introductions (10 minutes) Marija Sulejmanova, Romalitico
Roma Women Experiences on the Ground (25 minutes)
– Speakers TBC
Activist and personal testimonies from Roma women across different regions
(Ukraine, UK, Turkey, Albania, Spain) who will share their work and lived
experiences with gender inequality and intersectional discrimination. This
section aims to provide a human perspective on the challenges Roma women
face and illustrate the need for inclusive policies.
Regional and national-level measures and gaps (40 minutes)
– Speakers TBC: National Gender Equality Agencies, OSCE, Council of
Europe, UN Women
This section will examine current policies and initiatives addressing gender
equality and inclusion of Roma women at the regional and national levels.
Key speakers from institutions highlight the strengths and gaps in these
efforts. This session will focus on identifying the barriers that still prevent
Roma women from accessing opportunities and how they can be addressed
through policy reform.
Concluding remarks: (10 minutes)
– Speakers TBC: CEDAW members, UN Special Rapporteurs
A high-level summary of the key findings from the discussions and a call to
action. This section will highlight the importance of continued efforts to
include Roma women in SDG-related decision-making and the need for
collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure long-term progress.
Discussion: Attendees engage with panellists (10 minutes)
Open discussion between attendees and panellists to address any remaining
questions, insights, or suggestions for further action. This section provides
space for participants to share their perspectives and engage directly with the
experts and speakers.
Summary of key takeaways and next steps for continued advocacy and collaboration (5
minutes)
A final recap of the event’s main points, with a focus on actionable next steps.
This section will encourage participants to commit to concrete actions for
Roma women’s inclusion in future SDG-related initiatives and collaborative
efforts. It will also highlight the need for ongoing advocacy and collaboration
beyond the event.
● Date & Time: April 3, 2025, Lunch slot (1:15 – 2:45 PM)
● Registration: Meeting Registration – Zoom

Centering Women and Girls in growing global movement from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) – A Policy Imperative
2025-03-19 16:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | UN Women and Zoom
Background
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) encompass diverse groups worldwide who face systemic marginalization due to inherited social status, often tied to stigmatized ancestral occupations. These groups include the Roma in Europe, Dalits in South Asia, Burakumin in Far East Asia, Osu, Mboros, and Haratins in Africa, Quilombola in Brazil, and Palenque in Colombia, among others. Collectively, they represent over 270 million people globally, suffering from exclusion, poverty, violence, and restricted access to fundamental rights and services.
Current international human rights frameworks do not address the unique and specific types of discrimination experienced by Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. For more than two decades, stakeholder groups and civil society have been advocating for group-specific norms for CDWD at the UN to protect human rights and guarantee their civil, economic, cultural, and political participation.
Context
Despite various international frameworks aiming to combat discrimination and promote gender equality, women from CDWD remain among the most marginalized. These women are disproportionately affected by poverty, lack of education, limited access to healthcare, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes. The intersectionality of gender, caste, race, and socio-economic status exacerbates their vulnerability, leading to severe human rights violations, including gender-based violence and economic exploitation.
Addressing the challenges faced by women from communities discriminated on work and descent is not only a matter of justice but also essential for achieving global gender equality. UN Women and GFoD’s policy brief on CDWD Women calls for a coordinated effort by the UN nations system, governments, and civil society to create an inclusive and equitable environment where these women can thrive.
Event Overview
This side event at CSW 2025, co-hosted by UN Women and the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), will seek input for a groundbreaking policy brief highlighting the unique challenges and transformative potential of women from CDWD. The event will underscore the importance of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) to address the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by over 270 million people globally, focusing on grassroots women from communities like the Dalits, Roma, Haratins, Quilombola, Burakumin, and others.
Objectives
Present key findings and actionable recommendations from the policy brief.
Highlight the systemic discrimination and challenges faced by CDWD women.
Engage stakeholders in advancing intersectional policies and practices aligned with the Beijing Declaration.
Elevate the voices and contributions of grassroots CDWD women leaders.
Present an overview of findings and policy brief recommendations
Reflections and feedback on the findings and recommendations
Speakers include:

National Governments representatives
Permanent Mission representatives
CERD Members
CEDAW members
Marie-Elena John, Global Senior Racial Justice Lead, UN Women
Laura Nyirinkindi, chair, UN WG DAWG

Pallical, Chair, Asia Dalit Rights Forum
Elena Sirbu, ERGO Network/Roma Women Platform ROMNI, Moldova
Grijesh Dinker, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, India
Queen Bisseng, GFoD UN Programme Specialist, Cameroon

Expected Outcomes

Increased understanding of the challenges faced by CDWD women and the urgency of action.
Stakeholders commit to implementing the policy brief’s recommendations.
Enhanced collaboration between grassroots organizations, international agencies, and policymakers.
Elevated profile of CDWD women’s issues in global gender equality discourse

Date and Time:19th of March 2025, UN Women, 16:30-18:00 PM (and online via Zoom)
Registration link: Breaking Barriers: Women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD)

Empowering Women, Ending Work and Descent-Based Discrimination: Pathways to Equality and Inclusion
2025-03-19 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | United Nations Church Center, New York
Background and Rationale

Discrimination Based on Work and Descent (DWD) affects more than 270 million people worldwide, with about 15 million Roma and other diaspora communities in Europe, such as Dalits and Haratins. CDWD are regarded as the most vulnerable groups in terms of social, economic, and political development. They experience intersectional discrimination and oppression because of overlapping social constructs of ability, age, work, caste, class, ethnicity, social status, and gender. Many times women belonging to the DWD communities are left behind in advancing the gender equality agenda. CDWD women still face discrimination through social exclusion, poor access to education, public services and infrastructure. This results in CDWD women not only left out of the gender equality agenda but also in being able to advance their status.
However, State Parties and other stakeholders have taken some measures to address the issue. This side event will serve as a platform for dialogue among Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders to discuss national-level reviews conducted in 2024 on the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) and the 12 Critical Areas of Concern. The event aims to share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions from diverse national contexts.
Objectives:

Highlight national-level progress made in implementing BPfA commitments.
Share lessons learned, challenges, and innovative practices from the 2024 national reviews.
Strengthen dialogue and partnerships between Member States, civil society, and other stakeholders to address persistent gaps in achieving gender equality, with a focus on CDWD women

This event aims to spotlight the issue of diversity and inclusion of the rights of CDWD women. This event ensures that their lived experiences are highlighted at the international level, creating pathways for more inclusive and responsive global frameworks. The event highlights the critical need to address these overlapping oppressions and ensure equitable access to decent jobs, social protections, and opportunities. This event will bring together representatives from CDWD communities, Member States, and UN agencies to discuss strategies for advancing equality for CDWD women.

Expected outcomes

Acceleration of efforts to include CDWD women in the global gender equality agenda. The event will highlight the gaps in current policies and advocate for more inclusive approaches that prioritize the women from CDWD.

Strengthened partnerships and collaboration among international organizations, governments, and civil society stakeholders to work together on CDWD women.

Greater awareness and visibility of the unique challenges faced by CDWD women, particularly, Roma, Dalit, and other women in Africa.

Formulation of concrete policy recommendations for national governments, regional and international organizations, and other stakeholders.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET, Church Center of the UN, 8th Floor
Zoom https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Qhs5zNV7TnGxYDdOoIwxig

Agenda

Welcome and Introductions (10 minutes)
Terezia Rostas, Welcoming Cultures, UK
Opening remarks (10 minutes)
Paul Divakar, Convenor GFoD
Keynote address (10 minutes)
H.E. Mrs. Suela Janina – Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations
CDWD Women Experiences on the Ground (30 minutes)
Simona Torotcoi, ERGO Network, Romania
Queen Bisseng, GFoD Africa, Cameroon
Grijesh Dinker, NCDHR, India
Discussion: Attendees engage with panellists (10 minutes)
Summary of key takeaways and next steps for continued advocacy and collaboration (5 minutes)

Empowering Grassroots Women Discriminated on Work and Descent: Advancing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
2025-03-13 12:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Online: Zoom
Background and Rationale : Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) encompass diverse groups worldwide who face systemic marginalization due to inherited social status, often tied to stigmatized ancestral occupations. These groups include the Roma in Europe, Dalits in South Asia, Burakumin in Far East Asia, Osu, Mboros, and Haratins in Africa, Quilombola in Brazil, and Palenque in Colombia, among others. Collectively, they represent over 270 million people globally, suffering from exclusion, poverty, violence, and restricted access to fundamental rights and services. Women within these communities experience intersecting forms of discrimination, exacerbating their vulnerabilities and hindering their participation in social, economic, and political spheres.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) provides a comprehensive framework to advance gender equality and empower all women. However, the aspirations of this landmark document remain unrealized for grassroots women from CDWD. Addressing their unique challenges is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fulfilling the Beijing Declaration’s vision.
Objectives:

Highlight the lived experiences of grassroots women from CDWD and the specific barriers they face.
Showcase successful initiatives and strategies for empowering these women, particularly through local leadership, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.
Advocate for strengthened international and domestic policies aligned with the Beijing Declaration to address the intersecting inequalities faced by CDWD women.
Foster dialogue among stakeholders, including grassroots leaders, civil society, policymakers, and international organizations, to develop actionable recommendations.

This event aims to spotlight the issue of diversity and inclusion of the rights of CDWD women, focusing on Haratine women (Association des Haratine de Mauritanie en Europe), Roma women (ERGO Network), Quiloambola (CONAQ), Osu women (IFETACSIOS, Nigeria), Palenque and Dalit women (Asia Dalit Rights Forum) across the world. This event ensures that their lived experiences are highlighted at the international level, creating pathways for more inclusive and responsive global frameworks.
The key innovative element of this event is that it provides a platform, a space for women discriminated against on work and descent that they have been so far deprived of. Bringing their voices in the UN space not only allows for their unique challenges to be acknowledged, but also actively involves them in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Expected Outcomes

Increased awareness of the unique challenges faced by grassroots women from CDWD and the importance of their inclusion in global gender equality initiatives.
Enhanced understanding of the Beijing Declaration’s relevance to CDWD women and its implementation gaps.
Practical recommendations for stakeholders to strengthen policies, programs, and advocacy efforts for CDWD women.
Strengthened networks among grassroots leaders, civil society, and policymakers to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Acceleration of efforts to include CDWD women in the global gender equality agenda. The event will highlight the gaps in current policies and advocate for more inclusive approaches that prioritize the women from CDWD.
Strengthened partnerships and collaboration among international organizations, governments, and civil society stakeholders to work together on CDWD women.
Greater awareness and visibility of the unique challenges faced by CDWD women, particularly Quilombola, Palenque, Roma, Dalit, Hartine, Osu and other CDWD women in Africa.
Formulation of concrete policy recommendations for national governments, regional and international organizations, and other stakeholders.

Please click here to register
Date and time: 13 March 2025 12:30 New York time
For proposed Agenda, click here
Focal points: Torotcoi Simona, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (Lead Organizer)
Email: simona@globalforumcdwd.org

Addressing Caste-Based Hierarchies in Africa and Asia
2025-02-19 15:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
As we continue striving toward caste-free societies, a landmark moment in 2024 was the adoption of a groundbreaking resolution by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This historic resolution on PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF COMMUNITIES DISCRIMINATED BY, WORK AND DESCENT (CDWD) IN AFRICA – ACHPR/Res.619 (LXXXI) 2024 , was passed during the Commission’s 81st Ordinary Session in Banjul from October 17 to November 6, 2024, marks a significant step forward in the global fight against caste-based discrimination.
The Commission while passing the resolution acknowledged the existence of caste based discrimination across Africa . The resolution reads that the commission is “….Alarmed by the persistence of discrimination based on work and descent nearly 40 years after the operationalization of the African Charter“…… “commits to conduct a continental study on the situation of communities discriminated against based on work and descent including underlying causes, manifestations, and impacts of discriminatory practices),…… to thoroughly examine discriminatory practices across the African region, and share the findings with States Party and relevant African Union organs and agencies…”
Taking the discussions forward, GFoD is inviting you to be part of the dialogue: Addressing Caste-Based Hierarchies in Africa and Asia. This dialogue aims to critically examine the ACHPR resolution and the presence of caste-based hierarchies across Asia, Africa, and globally. It will further explore diverse manifestations of descent-based historic and continuing discrimination, in wealth and asset ownership, formal and informal jobs, access to quality education and skill enhancement among other such means of social mobility and assess how this resolution can serve as a model for other regions—particularly in Asia, Africa, and globally—and identify strategies for advancing a UN Declaration to eradicate the present effects of historic and continuing discrimination. Additionally, the session will emphasize effective policy intervention by the state for redressing historic harm, combating contemporary discrimination, including reparations, compensation, budget allocations, affirmative action, and other policy mechanisms.
Panelist: Ms. Queen Bisseng, Regional Coordinator, Africa, GFoD, is a leading advocate for the rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in Africa and played a vital role in the adoption of the African Commission’s resolution. Joining her as the second speaker is Mr. Paul Divakar Namala, Convener, GFoD, who has been at the forefront of the global CDWD movement. The session will be moderated by Prof. Amit Thorat, a distinguished scholar from the Center for Study on Regional Development, JNU, whose extensive research on caste-based discrimination across Asia has had a profound impact
Date:19th Feb 2025
Mode: Hybrid
Offline: Location: Board Room, National Foundation of India, Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi
For Online, please register here.
Timings: 3:00 PM to 5 PM

Turning Up the Heat: Moulding Hardened 'Cast(e)-in-Iron' Social Norms into Inclusive Shapes through Social Inclusion and Cohesion as We Look Towards the Achievement of the Copenhagen Declaration and Towards the World Social Summit
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Proposed side event during Commission for Social Development (CSocD63), 10-14 February 2025 (exact time and date will be announced by CSoCD63 secretariat)
This event is co-organized by UN United Nations Population Fund (TBC), Permanent Mission of Germany (TBC), the Permanent Mission of Nepal (TBC), the Permanent Mission of North Macedonia to the UN as well as The Inclusivity Project (TIP), the NGO Committee on Social Development, and key organizations advocating for marginalized communities, including the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO Network), the National Coordination of Rural Black Quilombola Communities (CONAQ – Coordenação Nacional de Articulação das Comunidades Negras Rurais Quilombolas), the African Network on Discrimination based on Work and Descent and Contemporary Forms of Slavery (ANDS), and the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR).
Descent Communities, representing approximately 270 million people worldwide, span diverse cultural and geographic contexts yet face systemic exclusion from fundamental human rights and freedoms. These communities, shaped by inherited status and entrenched stratification, include groups such as the Haratin, Jongo, Mbororos, and Komo in Africa; Quilombolas and Palenques in Latin America; Dalits and Burakumin in Asia; and the Roma community in Europe and beyond. Despite their unique identities, they share a common struggle against deep-rooted social norms and practices that perpetuate inequality and deny them full societal participation.
This side event aims to uncover actionable solutions to dismantle these barriers and advance the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration while preparing for the Second World Social Summit in 2025. By addressing the challenges faced by Descent Communities, the event will showcase good practices developed by civil society organizations, UN agencies, and Member States. These include targeted budgetary provisions, dedicated census categories, and employment frameworks already championed by some governments and UN bodies. It will also explore how regional and global mechanisms can align with the growing recognition of Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD) as central to achieving global social justice.
Recent milestones illustrate this momentum. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR)—an organ of the African Union—adopted its first-ever resolution addressing the rights of CDWD in Africa (ACHPR/Res.619 (LXXXI) 2024) during its 81st Ordinary Session in Banjul in November 2024. Another significant development was the recognition of CDWD as a UN Major Group and Other Stakeholders under General Assembly Resolution 67/290 in 2021. These achievements reflect a growing international commitment to addressing systemic exclusion and ensuring dignity and equity for CDWD communities.
The exclusion of Descent Communities is deeply tied to their characterization as “low caste” or “outcasts,” perpetuated by notions of “purity and pollution,” enforced endogamy, and physical segregation. These unwritten cultural norms form a complex web that obstructs progress toward the Copenhagen Declaration’s goals. Women and girls within these communities are particularly vulnerable, facing compounded challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Practices like “Wahaya” in Niger, where women from “low caste” communities are acquired as unofficial or “fifth wives,” exemplify the gender-based violence and systemic discrimination that deny their humanity and perpetuate cycles of inequality.
Addressing these inequities requires urgent interventions, including prioritizing sexual and reproductive health services, investing in data collection and research to amplify initiatives, and making these realities visible. Documenting and disseminating successful interventions, such as education campaigns to combat stigma, community-led development projects, and targeted economic inclusion programs, can inform scalable strategies and inspire systemic change.
To achieve the Copenhagen Declaration’s commitments and prepare for the Second World Social Summit, governments, in collaboration with civil society, must design inclusive policies informed by evidence and good practices. Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, strengthened social protection systems, and representation of CDWD in governance are critical components of this effort. Recognition and action must extend across all human rights mechanisms, ensuring that CDWD communities are not left behind in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This side event will foster dialogue, explore innovative approaches, and emphasize the urgency of solidarity and inclusion as tools to dismantle hardened “cast(e)-in-iron” norms. As we look toward the Second World Social Summit, these efforts are essential to forging a future where all communities can fully and equally participate in society’s progress.

Date and Time: 13 February 2025 (TBC)-1.15 – 2.30 pm

Call for Expressions of Interest: GFoD Civil Society Preparations for the 2025 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs)
2024-11-29 - 2024-12-15
The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) invites civil society organizations (CSOs), advocates, and experts to participate in our 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) preparation process. This initiative focuses on amplifying the voices of Communities Discriminated by Work and Descent (CDWD) and ensuring their inclusion in the global VNR process.
GFoD’s involvement in the VNRs
Across the globe, communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) have been left out of national sustainable development strategies and action plans. Ensuring “No one is left behind” in the developmental planning and implementation of the SDGs is one of the key priorities of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent.
For the last few years, the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent as part of the UN Major Groups and Other Stakeholders, has been engaging in the National Voluntary Reviews (VNRs), presenting the viewpoint of our communities across the world (i.e., Roma, Haratins, Buraku, Dalits, Quilombola, etc.). The Major Groups and Other Stakeholders provide the space for stakeholder engagement around the High Level Political Forum (HLPF). Stakeholders can also engage by: providing inputs to and reviewing drafts of VNRs of their respective countries; representing their constituents as part of government delegations; and participating in the presentation of the VNR to the HLPF.
This year we would like to support those civil society representatives and other stakeholders interested in getting involved into their national VNRs, by providing the in-house knowledge and resources (i.e., training) on how to best engage in such advocacy activities from the perspective of communities discriminated on work and descent!
More about the VNRs
As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member States to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Following states have expressed interest to carry out voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the 2025 HLPF: Angola, Bulgaria, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Papua New Guinea (PNG), Saint Lucia, Seychelles, South Africa, the State of Palestine, Suriname, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, the Gambia, Germany, Ghana, India, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Sudan, Thailand, Guatemala, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Qatar.
CDWD focused VNR webinars
GFoD offers a comprehensive program to support CDWD-focused civil society engagement in the 2025 VNR process through a series of monthly webinars (online):
Webinar 1: What is the VNR? Relevance for CDWD

Learn about the VNR process, its objectives, and why it is critical for CDWD communities to be represented.

Webinar 2: How You Can Get Involved in Your Country’s VNR?

Explore strategies for engaging with your government, contributing to consultations, and mobilizing your networks for VNR participation.

Webinar 3: Integrating the Perspective of CDWD in the VNRs

Discover how to ensure CDWD perspectives are included in national and thematic VNR reports, interventions, and statements.

If you are a CSO, advocate, or expert interested in ensuring CDWD voices are heard in the 2025 VNR process, register for the Webinar Series to build your understanding and capacity.
To express your interest please fill out this form by December 15, 2024: https://forms.gle/5UCGVVNDiF9XAhVd6
Additionally, we encourage you to share this invitation and information with all relevant stakeholders who might be interested in contributing to this important initiative.
Your commitment to this endeavor will play a vital role in ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of civil society are well-represented during the HLPF 2025.
Interpretation in French will be provided.
Read more about the 2025 VNRs here: Voluntary National Reviews | High-Level Political Forum
We look forward to your active participation and collaboration in this significant effort.

Representation of Descent-Communities in public spaces and discourses: Focus on challenges and opportunities for youth from decent based communities
2024-11-28 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Room XXV in Palais des Nations., United Nation Head Quaters, Geneva, Switzerland
CDWD Youth Side Event at Minority Rights Forum 2024
Representation of Descent-Communities in public spaces and discourses: focus on challenges and opportunities for youth from descent based communities
Side event Forum on Minority Issues
28 November from 13:00 to 14:00 in Room XXV in Palais des Nations
This side event will focus on the theme of the 2024 Forum on Minority Issues on the representation and self-representation of minorities in public spaces and discourses. This is of particular importance to descent-based communities who continue to face severe forms of hate speech, scapegoating, negative portrayal, inability to self represent in the public space, or in the media to shape their own narratives. Descent communities are subjected to dehumanising discourses referring to pollution or untouchability; and a generalised lack of respect for their human dignity and equality.

Descent-based discrimination exists across the globe affecting almost 270 million people. They include Dalits in South Asia; Burakumin in Japan; Roma in Europe, Haratine, Osu caste system and other communities in West Africa; Quilombola and Palenque in Latin America and diaspora living globally. Descent-based discrimination is unique within the minority space.

In that regard, the unique form of practices of discrimination faced by Descent-based communities within the global human rights framework requires a special focus. They are marginalised and excluded like other ethnic, minority or indigenous groups; but also occupy a distinct space, sometimes within those very marginalised and excluded groups based on the practices of discrimination they face. These include fundamental violations of their human rights on the basis of various factors including inability to alter inherited status; socially enforced restrictions on marriage outside the community; private and public segregation, including in housing and education, access to public spaces, places of worship and public sources of food and water; limitation of freedom to renounce inherited occupations or degrading or hazardous work; subjection to debt bondage.There is an urgent need to carve out specific norms to address the unique and particular experience of discrimination faced by descent-communities.
Sporadic individual representation and recognition exist but falls short of the universally practised experience these communities face.Amongst the discriminated communities, it is pertinent to note that women and non-binary folks experience further marginalisation and must be accounted for in the larger framework of Minority rights. Youth from descent communities face these challenges with amplified intensity, as systemic barriers and deep-seated prejudices significantly limit their ability to participate fully in public and political spaces. The lack of self-representation only exacerbates their marginalisation, as their voices and unique perspectives are often absent from decision-making forums. This discrimination translates into political disempowerment, economic hardship, and social exclusion, perpetuating a cycle that denies them both their rights and their rightful place in society.This includes their right to self-represent and be represented without fear and persecution; and with respect for their human dignity.
Moderator: Paul Divakar Namala (Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent, GFoD).
Speakers:

Prof. Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues
Sukhbir Thind ,Youth Advocacy Officer – Plan International
Dr.Nimalka Fernando (International Movement Against All Forms of Racism and Discrimination, IMDR)
Kunjini Pariyar – Rights Expert Nepal, Fellow OHCHR Minority Rights Fellowship
Hassane Eidja, Initiative de Resurgence du movement Abolitionniste (IRA), OHCHR Fellow, Mauritania
Vira Dranhoi (OHCHR Minority Rights Fellow)

Link for registration : https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArceCgqz4oHdGdItvDaQNsWlPDR_2-ixCP

Realising a smart mix of measures for Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent in the context of business activities.
2024-11-27 13:15 - 14:30 (Europe/Zurich) | Hybrid: Offline-Salle du CAV Online-Zoom, Salle du CAV, Geneva, Switzerland
Across the globe, almost 270 million people are discriminated against, based on their present or ancestral occupation, descent or inherited status, such as caste. Collectively, they are known as Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent .They include Dalits in South Asia; Burakumin in Japan; Roma in Europe, Haratine, Osu and other communities in West Africa; Quilombola and Palenque in Latin America and diaspora living globally. They are the most marginalised and excluded in political, social, and economic development. Their marginal status is exacerbated further in the context of business activity intersecting with discrimination, leaving them powerless; vulnerable to bonded labour, modern slavery, child labour and hazardous work. Women from these communities experience higher rates of poverty and discrimination and mostly end up in the informal economy without basic social and work protections.
This session will explore the impact of business activity in the context of deep-rooted social structures such as discrimination based on work and descent, and its adverse impacts on human rights. Speakers will discuss ways in which this can be addressed through the UN Guiding Principles and a smart mix of measures. This includes States taking steps to protect these communities from human rights violations by businesses and ensuring access to decent work; human rights due diligence and transparency in reporting of operations and supply chains by businesses; and a role for civil society to hold States and businesses to account.
Moderator: Beena Pallical (Asia Dalit Rights Foundation)
Speakers:

Prof. Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur Right to Development
Dr. Nimalka Fernando (President, International Movement Against All Form of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR)
Salil Tripathi (Institute for Human Rights and Business)
Simona Torotcoi (GFoD, Europe)

Wednesday 27 November 2024, | Time: 1.15 pm – 2.30 pm (CST)
Venue: Salle du CAV
Rue de Varembé 1
Zoom Link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIldeuqqz8jH9wd6Qh4Tgu2yAZn-_nA_BTe

Addressing Work and Descent-Based Discrimination Against Women: A prerequisite to accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration
2024-10-21 08:00 - 2024-10-22 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Reviewing 30 Years of Beijing Commitments to Accelerate Gender Equality in the ECE Region
Background and Rationale
Discrimination Based on Work and Descent (DWD) affects more than 270 million people worldwide, with about 15 million Roma and other diaspora communities in Europe, such as Dalits and Haratins. CDWD are regarded as the most vulnerable groups in terms of social, economic, and political development. They experience intersectional discrimination and oppression because of overlapping social constructs of ability, age, work, caste, class, ethnicity, social status, and gender. Women belonging to the DWD communities in Europe, such as the CDWD diaspora and the Roma are left behind in advancing the gender equality agenda. State Parties and other stakeholders have taken some measures to address the issue. Despite this, CDWD women still face discrimination through social exclusion, poor access to education, public services and infrastructure. This results in CDWD women not only left out of the gender equality agenda but also in being able to advance their status.
To accelerate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in the UNECE region, it is essential that policy initiatives prioritise women for whom developmental gains have been inaccessible. This event aims to spotlight the issue of diversity and inclusion of the rights of CDWD women, including the discrimination and poverty faced by them themselves and their lack of access to decent jobs, focusing on Haratine women (Association des Haratine de Mauritanie en Europe), Roma women (ERGO Network), and Dalit women (GFoD, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent) across the UNECE. This event ensures that their lived experiences, particularly in terms of economic empowerment and discrimination, are highlighted at the European and international level, creating pathways for more inclusive and responsive global frameworks.

Session objectives and expected outcomes

Some of the expected outcomes include the development of a toolkit and set of guidelines for UN Women regional and country offices to incorporate the needs of CDWD women in their work, the proposal for a Special Rapporteur on work and descent-based discrimination, and enhanced collaboration among international organizations and stakeholders to implement strategies that promote equality and non-discrimination.
Possible Outcomes

Acceleration of efforts to include CDWD women in the global gender equality agenda. The event will highlight the gaps in current policies and advocate for more inclusive approaches that prioritize the women from CDWD.

Creation of a specialized toolkit and guidelines for UN Women regional and country offices. These resources will be designed to integrate the specific needs and challenges of women from CDWD into their policies and programs.

Introduction of a formal proposal to appoint a Special Rapporteur on work and descent-based discrimination.

Strengthened partnerships and collaboration among international organizations, governments, and civil society stakeholders.

Greater awareness and visibility of the unique challenges faced by CDWD women, particularly Haratine, Roma, and Dalit women, in the UNECE region.

Formulation of concrete policy recommendations for national governments, regional and international organizations, and other stakeholders.

Organizers

Lead organizers: Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
Contributors: ERGO Network, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth of North Macedonia,
Focal points: Torotcoi Simona, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
Email: simona@globalforumcdwd.org

Agenda and Structure (Speakers TBC)

Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes) Gabriela Hrabanova, ERGO Network
Keynote Remarks – Importance of addressing systemic discrimination through governmental policies (20 minutes)
– Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, North Macedonia
– Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland
CDWD Women Experiences on the Ground (25 minutes)
– Sonia Haidara/Noura Sidatti, Association des Haratine de Mauritanie en Europe
– Alba Hernandez, Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts
– Swati Kamble, India and Me
Open Q&A
Panel Discussion: Addressing Discrimination and Economic Empowerment (25 minutes)
– Fikrija Tair-Selmani, Rights Expert GFoD – Moderator
– Manuela Ott, Dalit Solidarity in Germany – Dalit women’s struggles in South Asia and UNECE context
– Chidi King, ILO – Role of decent work policies in empowering marginalized women
– Juliana Santos Wahlgren, European Anti-Poverty Network – EAPN – Roma women’s barriers to employment and economic inclusion
– Claude Cahn, OHCHR – Human rights protections for CDWD women: global frameworks
Discussion (10 minutes) Attendees engage with panelists
Summary of key takeaways and next steps for continued advocacy and collaboration (5 minutes)

List of Panelists

Please list the names and organizations of the panelists participating in the side event. The moderator should also be included in the list.
The key innovative element of this event is that it provides a platform, a space for women discriminated against on work and descent that they have been so far deprived of. Bringing their voices in the UN Women and UNECE space not only allows for their unique challenges to be acknowledged, but also actively involves them in shaping policies that affect their lives. The event introduces groundbreaking case studies on Roma and Haratine, and Dalit diaspora women’s access to employment, emphasizing real-world successes and challenges. This event ensures that their lived experiences, particularly in terms of economic empowerment and discrimination, are highlighted at the European and international level, creating pathways for more inclusive and responsive global frameworks. Government representatives from Finland, North Macedonia, among others, and representatives from the ILO, EAPN, OHCHR, and ENAR will also emphasise the importance of addressing multiple layers of discrimination for effective policy formulation and societal change but also share practices and innovative steps on eradicating poverty, promoting economic empowerment and reducing discrimination.
List of names and organizations:

Gabriela Hrabanova, ERGO Network (Moderator)
Mabera Kamberi, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, North Macedonia
Janette Grönfors, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland
Fikrija Tair-Selmani, Rights Expert GFoD
Manuela Ott, Dalit Solidarity in Germany
Chidi King, ILO
Juliana Santos Wahlgren, European Anti-Poverty Network – EAPN
Claude Cahn, OHCHR
Sonia Haidara, Association des Haratine de Mauritanie en Europe
Alba Hernandez, Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts
Swati Kamble, India
Simona Torotcoi, Romania

Sign-up / Registration Link

https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtdOCspjorEtfQZ0gzlAx2bv6aReNVh8lL#/registration

Casting light on SGD 16 & 17, anticipating the potential of "Pact for the Future" for LGBTQI+ individuals and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) to realize our full potential
2024-07-16 16:00 - 17:30 (Asia/Kolkata) | Hybrid: Offline-United Nation Conference Room F Online: Zoom, United Nation Head Quaters, New York, NY, United States
2024 High-Level Political Forum
LGBTI Stakeholder Group and the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent.
The LGBTI Stakeholder Group and the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (SG-CDWD), invite you to a joint side event on the margins of the annual High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
Around the globe, LGBTI populations are still criminalized and experience stigma, discrimination, violence, and other human rights violations due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Further, LGBTI populations face higher barriers than their counterparts in accessing development opportunities, funding, needs and services, which are reinforced by punitive policies. LGBTI persons who face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination due to their gender, age, race, ethnicity, ability, class, caste, socioeconomic status, work, origin, migration status, and other factors that drive exclusion, are even more marginalized and face even greater barriers in accessing development opportunities.

Event Overview
This side event will focus on the protection and liberation of LGBTQI people and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. We will explore strategies, avenues for joint actions, and work to improve the current text and annexes of the Pact for the Future, bridging the gaps between the SDGs, Agenda 2030 and our aspirations.
Objectives:

To explore how LGBTQI+ people and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent can contribute to building peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, as well as strengthening the means of implementation for the SDGs (SDG 16 and 17)
To highlight the legal and systemic discrimination, that marginalized communities often face due to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
To articulate our ambitions for the Pact of the Future, ensuring it goes beyond protection and ending discrimination, and employs visionary ambitious language focusing on liberation and equity.

Themes for the discussion

Inclusive strong institutions

Strong institutions must be inclusive, representing the diversity of the population and ensuring that minority voices are heard in governance and policy-making. Peace and justice are intrinsically linked to the protection of human rights, allowing minorities to live free from persecution and discrimination.
Partnerships with member states, UN Agencies and UN Experts must continue to enhance the capacity of organizations empowering LGBTI and CDWD individuals to advocate and enjoy their rights. International cooperation and solidarity, leveraging global partnerships to promote equality and justice is key to achieving the Agenda 2030 and fighting towards ambitious language in a Pact of the Future.
2. Manifestations of discrimination
a. Assimilation pressures
Both the LGBTQ community and CDWD are pressured to assimilate into “mainstream society” by conforming to expected identities and roles, for example by speaking the correct language, complying with the expected identity, and performing tasks expected of us dutifully.
b. Marginalization
CDWD often live on the margins, physically separated from the rest of society, with the expectation of serfdom related to the most menial tasks often related to death, excrement, rubbish, iron work and other forms of labor.
Similarly, LGBTI+ people often have limited access to education, and cannot easily enter the labor market, thus lacking a real head start on life. LGBTI+ people, especially non-cisgender people, are often criminalized and live under severe legal circumstances that prevent them from pursuing economic agency. Even when “homosexuality” is not explicitly criminalized, many penal codes around the world criminalize “cross-dressing” which limits non-cisgender people’s access to social protection and economic opportunities. LGBTI+ people continue to struggle to meet basic necessities, lose jobs, and end up homeless.
c. Invisibility
“Invisibility”, in the context of LGBTI people, refers to the societal tendency to overlook or ignore the existence and experiences of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. This invisibility can manifest in various ways, such as lack of representation in media, limited legal protections, discrimination, and social stigma. It can also refer to the internal struggles that LGBTI individuals may face in terms of hiding or suppressing their identities due to fear of rejection or discrimination.
Similarly, invisibility is a characteristic assigned and expected from CDWD and LGBTI people – if they do not comply, they are “put in their place” using methods only limited by the imagination of our oppressor’s cruelty. For LGBTI people, this can mean denying their gender identity, sexual identity and/or sex characteristics. For CDWD, it means performing the most menial tasks of a society, including manual scavenging human and animal waste or performing slave labour.
Conclusion
By highlighting the experiences of LGBTI+ people as well as those of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), this event aims to promote inclusive policies and inspire collective action. Ultimately, this conversation is one step towards an inclusive and sustainable future.

UN Declaration: A CDWD Symposium
2024-07-13 10:30 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | PRCC Hall 233, Rutgers University, Nevark, New Jersey, NJ, United States
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD), including but not limited to Dalit, Roma, Quilombola, and Haratine communities, face systemic discrimination and marginalization across the world. CDWD are the people directly affected by Discrimination based on Work and Descent (DWD). They continue to face extreme forms of isolation and discrimination, which acts as an obstacle to their attainment of civil, political, economic, cultural and social rights. While efforts have been made to address the challenges faced by individual communities, there remains a need to approach this issue from a global CDWD perspective.
It is in this context that the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), in partnership with Ambedkar International Mission, Bahujan Scholars, The Inclusivity Project (TIP) and other networks is organizing a symposium in Rutgers University, NJ on July 13, 2024.
The discussion involving academics, activists, and diaspora community members seeks to amplify the voices of CDWD and advance their rights and dignity through advocacy, research, and community engagement. It further focuses on CDWD globally, shifting the focus from individual communities to a broader perspective. This discussion also sheds light on the diaspora community members and explores effective strategies for advancing social justice and the inclusion of CDWD in the global platform.T
The event will be held in person mode. For registration, please click here

Good Practices and Challenges in the 2030 Agenda - Showcasing ongoing inclusive strategies of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
2024-07-09 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Hybrid: Offline-United Nation Conference Room F Online: Zoom, United Nation Head Quaters, New York, NY, United States
For registration : https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdO-srzIsEtUCr_6DcIxAGIm2Tj2kCt3J
The Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in New York together with the Permanent
Mission of North Macedonia, Permanent Mission of Canada (TBC) and the
Permanent Missions of Austria, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, Gambia (TBC) and UN
Women (Racial Justice) are delighted to co-organize a HLPF 2024 side event alongside the
Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and The
Inclusivity Project uniting organizations working for recognition and rights of Communities
Discriminated on Work and Descent including the African Network on Discrimination based
on Work and Descent and Contemporary Forms of Slavery (ANDS), The Africa GFoD, The
Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF), the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network
(ERGO Network) and the National Coordination of Rural Black Quilombola Communities
(CONAQ – Coordenação Nacional de Articulação das Comunidades Negras Rurais
Quilombolas)
The session will highlight the importance of addressing discrimination based on work and
descent as a critical step towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through an exchange of ideas on inclusive and equitable approaches, strengthening
partnerships and collaborative practice, the side event is an opportunity for all stakeholders to
renew their commitment to the principle of ‘Leaving no one behind’ and reinforce the 2030
Agenda for 270 million people across the world who are discriminated on work and
descent.
Context: Growing recognition and acceptance has resulted in the recognition of the Stakeholder Group of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (SG-CDWD) anchored in GA
resolution 67/290 as part of Major Groups and Other Stakeholders in 2020. Since then, the
SG-CDWD has ensured the representation and participation of voices of some of the most
sidelined communities in the national and regional SDG implementation strategies.
Member States and UN Agencies have been receptive to responding to the demands and
initiating systematic documentation efforts and recognition and inclusion efforts into the
systematic design of policies to mechanisms for the marginalized.
Despite significant progress, discrimination remains a major barrier to achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
emphasizes the importance of leaving no one behind and recognizes the need for inclusive
development. Marginalized groups—such as women, minorities, persons with disabilities,
and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD). These intersecting discriminations perpetuate cycles of exclusion and hinder their full participation in economic,
social, and political life.
Who are Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD?
Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) are known by many
names depending on where they live and the languages they speak. Together they
represent 270 million individuals, which would constitute the 6th largest country on earth.
Dalits and Burakumin in Asia, the “slave caste” in The Gambia and Mauritania called
jongoo/komo and Haratin, the Quilombola in Brazil and Roma in Europe and beyond are just
some examples of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD). These
communities share the common experience of living in socially segregated societies that
discriminate against them based on the perceived low social status often tied to labels such as
“unclean” or “polluted” often tied to traditional professions.
In 2024 many Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) offer a unique opportunity to showcase
achievements in countries with significant CDWD populations. However, work and
collaboration with CDWD is an ongoing process and need not be reduced to the VNR process
this event also wishes to showcase. Some examples of recent successes paired with ambitions and new policy initiatives this side event will highlight include:
1. The Inclusion in the Census in several countries and overcoming the invisibility of
counting everyone in government censuses, states have taken a critical step toward
recognizing the existence and needs of all communities, including marginalized and
descent-based groups. This inclusion ensures policy-making and resource allocation
with CDWD in mind.
2. Budgets and Allocation of Quotas notable advancements in budget allocations and the
implementation of quotas to support CDWD and other groups in areas such as
education, political representation, healthcare, and housing.
3. Recognition and Regional Human Rights Mechanisms has also been bolstered by the
efforts of regional human rights mechanisms and civil society organizations,
particularly in Africa. Organizations like the African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights and civil society movements across regions have united to form
coalitions that push for greater recognition and protection of these groups rights.
4. The Platform Provided by the SDGs emphasize inclusivity and aim to leave
no one behind, giving descent-based communities a critical opportunity to be seen and
heard on the global stage despite not being acknowledged specifically and the lack of
targets the Agenda 2030 has allowed for wide civil society participation and
contributed to the successes of the CDWD movement.
Building on the growing recognition and systematic creation of efforts to include the
most marginalized this side event wishes to build on and highlight some
achievements and best practices states and UN agencies have championed. Member
states and renowned leaders of the CDWD will address this side event.
It is hybrid event, taking place on zoom and UN, Conference Room F, New York
(Indicated time is the NY time EDT)

Carving out a Norm at the UN on the Rights of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
2024-06-11 12:00 UTC | Online: Zoom
GFoD and partners are pleased to invite you to a roundtable discussion on the international
movement of communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD). This important
alliance of groups from Africa, Europe, Latin America and South Asia, is forging new
pathways for justice at the international level to ensure the voices of CDWD are recognised
and heard. The roundtable will give an opportunity for a ‘long view’ of social mobilisation
pertaining to work and descent-based discrimination that spans several decades of global action.
The roundtable will begin with a presentation by Dr Corinne Lennox, Senior Lecturer in
Human Rights, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of
London, who will speak to the findings in her book, Transnational Social Mobilisation and
Minorities Rights: Identity, Advocacy and Norms (Routledge 2020). The book uses the
concept of ‘norm entrepreneurship’ to comparatively examine the extraordinary efforts by
Dalits, people of African descent, Roma and Indigenous peoples to work across borders and
at the international level to seek protection of their rights. The book draws from interviews
with leading activists, participant observation and the author’s own previous work with
activists from her roles in NGOs, to provide a detailed account of the strategies that have
made these groups highly successful in bringing international attention to their calls for
justice.
In this lecture, Dr Lennox will specifically trace the evolution of the global mobilisation of
Dalits and their alliances with other communities discriminated on the basis of work and
descent. The lecture will discuss the early days of their actions at the UN level, the important
impact of the 2001 World Conference against Racism, their effective use of framing and
political opportunities, and the construction of strong forms of international cooperation to
secure significant recognition at the international level.
This successful example of ‘norm entrepreneurship’ will be the backdrop for further
discussion on the next wave of transnational social mobilisation by communities
discriminated on work and descent (CDWD). Since 2019, CDWD have forged exciting new
alliances across communities and continents to develop new norms that can address the
unique set of human rights violations they experience in common.
Leading voices from the CDWD movement will share their reflections on key strategies that
have bolstered their mobilisation at the international level. The panel will also discuss the
future aims and challenges for the CDWD movement as they seek to solidify their
recognition and support on the international and regional levels.
Time: Jun 11, 2024 12:00 PM Universal Time UTC
Zoom Link: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/j/87172689955

Webinar on VNR:Integrating the perspective of communities discriminated on work and descent in the voluntary national reviews
2024-04-17 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Online: Zoom
For the last few years, the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent as part of the UN Major Groups and Other Stakeholders, has been engaging in the National Voluntary Reviews (VNRs), presenting the viewpoint of our communities across the world (i.e., Roma, Haratins, Buraku, Dalits, Quilombola, etc.). This year we would like to support those civil society representatives and other stakeholders interested in getting involved into their national VNRs, by providing you the in-house knowledge and resources (i.e., training) on how to best engage in such advocacy activities from the perspective of communities discriminated on work and descent!
More about the VNRs
As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member States to conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Following states have expressed interest to carry out voluntary national reviews (VNRs) of their implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the 2024 HLPF: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belize, Brazil, Chad, Colombia, Congo (Republic of the), Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Palau, Peru, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, Uganda, Vanuatu, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
MGoS responses during the VNR
The Major Groups and Other Stakeholders provide the space for stakeholder engagement around the High Level Political Forum (HLPF). Stakeholders can also engage by: providing inputs to and reviewing drafts of VNRs of their respective countries; representing their constituents as part of government delegations; and participating in the presentation of the VNR to the HLPF. The MGoS launched a call for expression of interest from stakeholders from VNR countries in the preparation of statements for the upcoming HLPF.
The webinar Integrating the perspective of communities discriminated on work and descent in the voluntary national reviews
Across the globe, communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) have been left from national sustainable development strategies and action plans. Ensuring “No one is left behind” in the developmental planning and implementation of the SDGs is one of the key priorities of the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Decent. In this webinar we will touch upon the following:

How can we integrate a CDWD perspective in the VNR process and statement?
How can we prepare for the VNR/HLPF?

Approaching the government under review and engage in formal consultations
Encourage governments to include independent contributions in its VNR report and find ways to review the draft VNR report
National advocacy campaigns
In person meetings with VNR countries
Factsheets
Thematic reports and shadow reports

What after the VNR? Follow-up and continuous engagement

Meet with other non-governmental stakeholders to reflect on the VNR process and discuss next steps to influence implementation and follow-up and review
Urge governments to address the main findings of the VNR and to follow through on any commitments it made during the VNR process

The webinar will take place online.
Please register here :https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsc-qgrzgiG9L-Rk14VMyiyErIjtfG6WTv
Interpretation will be in French, Spanish and Portuguese will be provided.
Read more about the 2024 VNRs here: MGoS, DESA Flag Opportunities for Stakeholder Participation in 2024 HLPF | News | SDG Knowledge Hub | IISD

Building Bridges Among Women Discriminated Against on Work and Descent
2024-03-20 14:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | United Nations Church Center, New York
We are living in times of great turmoil, with protracted conflict, the climate crisis and growing inequalities present in the world today. Amidst this growing crisis, state and non-state actors have a very critical role to play in upholding the human rights of communities and individuals and ensuring respect of global standards. In this context, continuing violence and human rights violations perpetrated against Communities Discriminated based on Work and Descent (CDWD) are of great concern. These communities number over 270 million individuals and suffer some of the harshest forms of marginalisation, discrimination and social exclusion in the world. CDWD are known by various names, such as Dalits and Burakumin in Asia, the Bellah community in Mali, the Haratin slave caste in Mauritania, the Quilombola in Brazil and Roma in Europe and beyond. These communities share the common experience of living in socially segregated societies that discriminate against them based on the kinds of occupations that they practise and their family ancestry. Confronted with oppressive beliefs that label them as “unclean” or “polluted”, CDWD are relegated to the margins of society.
Key Objectives:

Spotlight the discrimination and poverty faced by CDWD women.
Explore the intersectionality of gender, caste, ethnicity, race and socio-economic factors that contribute to the challenges faced by these communities.
Emphasise the importance of addressing multiple layers of discrimination for effective policy-making and social change.
Facilitate open discussions between women representatives of CDWD communities, policymakers, academics, and activists.
Highlight the achievements and resilience of women from these communities who have overcome adversity.
Develop recommendations and policy suggestions for governments and international organizations to address discrimination and poverty faced by these women.
Encourage the integration of intersectional perspectives in existing policies and the creation of new initiatives tailored to the specific needs of these communities.

Event format and outcomes: The event will include keynote addresses, will utilise personal narratives, documentaries, and expert panels to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues. It will be accessible both in-person and virtually to ensure widespread participation.
Aim:This event aims to contribute to the global conversation on gender equality by specifically addressing the discrimination and poverty faced by Roma, Dalit, Quilambola, Buraku, Haratine and other CDWD women. The event seeks to drive actionable initiatives, promote inclusivity, and empower these communities to build a more equitable future. It also aims to establish a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaborations that can lead to tangible improvements in the lives of these women, and, potentially the establishment of an informal CDWD feminist network.

Organisers:

The Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD)
The Inclusivity Project (TIP)
European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO)
Coordenação Nacional de Articulação das Comunidades Negras Rurais Quilombolas (CONAQ)
Asia Dalit Rights Forum
Africa Network on CDWD

Speakers include:
– Simona Torotcoi, European Roma Grassroots Organizations Network
– Patricia Da Costa, The National Coordination for the Articulation of Black Rural Quilombola Communities in Brazil (CONAQ)
– Queen Bisseng, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
– Sonu Das, Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement
– Moderator: Beena Pallical, Asia Dalit Rights Forum(ADRF)

Interpretation : Spanish , Portuguese and French

Parallel Event During the NGO CSW68 FORUM
Registration link : http://tinyurl.com/gfod20march
Time: 02:30PM to 04:30PM ET

Commission on the Status of Women NGO Side Virtual Event : Feminization of poverty- How does poverty affect the lives of women discriminated against on work and descent?
2024-03-15 11:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online: Zoom
Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD), along with partner entities: European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO), Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Experts, and Romalitico – Institute for Research and Policy Analysis organise a side event focusing on addressing the intersectionality of discrimination, marginalization and poverty faced by women from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD).
Women part of CDWD are regarded as one the most vulnerable groups in terms of social, economic, and political development. They experience intersectional discrimination and oppression because of overlapping social constructs of ability, age, work, caste, class, and gender. The main challenge of CDWD women initially is seen in the lack of available disaggregated data and a focus on their specific needs in policy documents. Making progress towards greater inclusion of CDWD women and girls is not only a human rights imperative, but the recognition of their existence and addressing our challenges is one of the best ways to move forward in ensuring that CDWD are able to access education, health services, social benefits and employment opportunities.
Both poverty and gender inequality represent distinct forms of social injustice, posing significant threats to human rights, individual well-being, and the realization of one’s full potential in life, as emphasized in the human development approach. Despite ongoing efforts to advance gender equality, women continue to occupy an underprivileged position in our societies, consequently facing an increased susceptibility to poverty. Women grappling with poverty encounter a dual risk and injustice, both based on their gender and economic status. Poverty and gender are intertwined, and in the past decade, there has been a growing use of the term ‘feminization of poverty’ to describe the increasing proportion of women among those living in poverty, especially women discrimination on work and descent (such as Dalit, Roma, Quilombola, Burakumin). Some of the factors contributing to the feminization of poverty include intersectional discrimination, distribution of resources within households influenced by patriarchal values, lower rate of education and employment caused by systemic discrimination, unequal access to property, inadequate childcare, segregation in education, lack of access to digitalization etc.
During this event, together with representatives of communities discriminated against on work and descent we aim to explore the nuances of how different groups of women experience poverty. Moreover, the event will also provide us with the platform to present good practices which have successfully helped women and girls in poverty.
During the event, we will also launch a regional report on the situation of Roma women in Europe!
Keynote speech

Penda Mbow, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar

Moderator:

Marija Sulejmanova, Romalitico – Institute for Research and Policy Analysis

Speakers:

Claudia González, Feminist Collective of Romani Gender Expert
Queen Bisseng, Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and GFoD
Vercilene, Coordenação Nacional de Articulação das Comunidades Negras Rurais Quilombolas
Logeswary Ponniah, Women Solidarity Front, Kandy
Isabela Mihalache, Senior Advocacy Officer at ERGO Network

To know more about Speakers, please click here
To know more about Speakers, please visit : http://tinyurl.com/cswgfod15march
Time: March 15, 2024 11:30 – 12:30 ET/ 16:30 CET
Zoom Link : https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdeiqrD8qEtF-TXR89mI3IeLs-EfZCfT-

Addressing the root causes of poverty among women and girls from descent communities and the impact of UN Programming and NGOs to eradicate stigma
2024-03-13 13:15 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | New York
Official side event during the CSW68 Forum 11 – 22 March 2024
Registration link : https://eu.jotform.com/form/240416061960046
In the context of the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN in New York alongside UN Woman, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Forum of Communities discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) will hold a side event focusing on descent-based communities and the unique discriminatory practices they are experiencing based on the idea of “purity and pollution” often tied to ancestral or present occupations.
The event will address the intersectionality of discrimination, marginalization and poverty, and highlight experiences and program interventions which foster liberation and the eradication of the myth of untouchability and social exclusion.
For more details, please refer to the Concept note.
List and details of Speaker
Date: 13th March 2024
Time: 1:15 PM EST
Registration link : https://eu.jotform.com/form/240416061960046
