Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent - GFoD

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

LNOB: Poverty and discrimination among Roma and Diaspora from Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD
2024-03-11 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online: Zoom
Discrimination based on Work and Descent (DWD) affects more than 270 million people worldwide, with about 15 million Roma and other communities DWD diaspora 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 and gender.

This event aims to:

spotlight the discrimination and poverty faced by CDWD and to emphasise the importance of addressing multiple layers of discrimination for effective policy formulation and societal change or transformation.

share practices, innovative steps, and initiatives from a variety of DWD communities

representatives and stakeholders working on eradicating poverty and reducing discrimination, as a way to accelerate progress on SDG 1.

create a space for discussing current challenges and areas of improvement in the ECE region with regards to SGD 1 and its linkage to Roma and CDWD.

scale up cooperation on the larger issue of discrimination and access to decent jobs.

showcase work at the European and country level that addresses the specific experiences of poverty among CDWD.

List of Speaker
Kapitolina Kondur, ICO Chiricli
Sheila Habib, European Network Against Poverty
Swati Kamblé, independent consultant, India
Diko Hanoune, Association of Mauritanian Haratins in Europe
Lead organizers: Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
Contributors: The European Roma Grassroot Organizations Network
Focal points: Torotcoi Simona, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent
E-Mail: simona@globalforumcdwd.org
Registration: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwof-GoqTwvE9XNbwcBFKNopEP_mgH3b8cI

Official Side Event to Forum on Minority Issues
2023-11-30
Join us online or in Geneva for our official side event during the 2023 UN Forum on Minority Issues! With a high profile panel, this event will focus on building on regional recognition towards a resolution on the rights of communities discriminated on work and descent. Show your support and follow the event remotely at : https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof–tqT8jEtPqXCQ_-pEoQ4ysO9RN1oOY

FR :
Rejoignez-nous en ligne ou à Genève pour notre événement parallèle officiel lors du Forum de l’ONU 2023 sur les questions relatives aux minorités ! Avec un panel de haut niveau, cet événement se concentrera sur la construction d’une reconnaissance régionale vers une résolution sur les droits des communautés discriminées sur le travail et l’ascendance. Montrez votre soutien et suivez l’événement à distance sur : https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof–tqT8jEtPqXCQ_-pEoQ4ysO9RN1oOY

PT :
Junte-se a nós on-line ou em Genebra para nosso evento paralelo oficial durante o Fórum da ONU sobre Questões de Minorias de 2023! Com um painel de alto nível, esse evento se concentrará no desenvolvimento do reconhecimento regional em direção a uma resolução sobre os direitos das comunidades discriminadas por trabalho e descendência. Mostre seu apoio e acompanhe o evento remotamente em: https://theinclusivityproject-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof–tqT8jEtPqXCQ_-pEoQ4ysO9RN1oOY

Business & Human Rights Forum Side Event
2023-11-29 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Kolkata)
Join us and UN Special Rapporteur Mr Surya Deva for our event during the 2023 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights!
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2023BHR to obtain location (5 minutes from the UN). In-person event & lunch will be served.

77th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
2023-10-20 10:00 - 2023-11-09 13:30 (Asia/Katmandu) | Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, Arusha, Tanzania, United Republic of
📽️ Streaming LIVE Here!

A historical milestone: the NGO Forum of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) @achpr_cadhp adopts the resolution on the protection and promotion of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent’
2023-10-18 08:00 - 17:00 (Asia/Katmandu)
Final_pdf_Draft_Resolution_NGOs_forum_African_Commission_18Oct_2023

Launch of Regional Report on Status of CDWD and Modern Slavery in Africa / Lancement du rapport régional sur la situation de la CDWD et de l'esclavage moderne en Afrique- Topic: NGOs Forum Preceding 77th Session of the ACHPR Time: Oct 17, 2023 08:30 AM Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99083354288 Meeting ID: 990 8335 4288 Passcode: 255687
2023-10-17 | Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, Arusha, Tanzania, United Republic of
