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References to caste-based discrimination in reports by
thematic Special Rapporteurs (2005-2007) |
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As part of the UN core programme, IDSN monitors the
developments and references made to caste-based
discrimination in studies undertaken by the UN
Special Rapporteurs (thematic mandates) in
caste-affected countries. See an overview of the
different forms of
human rights monitoring mechanisms that IDSN is
making use of in its work. |
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You can also download IDSN's
Overview of Special Procedures 2005-2007 for
references to caste-based discrimination in 2005-2007 (updated
June 2007) to see how relevant Special Rapporteurs (Special
Rapporteur on Racism; Special Rapporteur on Adequate
Housing; Special Rapporteur on Education; etc.) include
caste-based discrimination in their annual reports,
communications and other studies. |
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Click here to find
a complete list of Special Rapporteurs (thematic
mandates) on the OHCHR website and
a list of all annual reports 2007 submitted to
the Human Rights Council. |
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The Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights (OHCHR) has made a
Manual of the UN Human Rights Special Procedures
which provides a guidance to mandate-holders appointed
under the Special Procedures system. The manual is
drafted in June 2006 and is therefore based on the
system before the UN reform process of the human rights
mechanisms (including the establishment of the new Human
Rights Council), and therefore reflects the old methods
of the mandate-holders. Until futher notice, however,
this manual gives a comprehensive introduction to the
role and functions of the mandate-holders and the
methods of work which still form a basis for the way
that Special Rapporteurs work until a new
code-of-conduct has been established in greater detail
by the Human Rights Council. |
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Read the
Resolution on Institution-building adopted on 18
June 2007 by the Human Rights Council establishing the
system of the Special Procedures (selection and
appointment of mandate-holders; review, rationalisation
and improvement of mandates) on page 10-14. The OHCHR
has drafted a
fact sheet on the work and structures of the Human
Rights Council including the Universal Periodic
Review (UPR) mechanism, the Special Procedures, and the
Complaints Procedure. |
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Cases referred to Special Rapporteurs by IDSN
- In September 2005, IDSN submitted information about
the
Gohana case to the Special Rapporteur on
Contemporary Forms of Racism, Mr. Doudou Diène, who
transmitted a communication to the Government of
India and received a reply from the government on 29
May 2006. This is reflected in an addendum to Mr.
Diène's report submitted to the Human Rights Council
at its 5th session (June 2007). For more
information, see IDSN's Overview of Special
Procedures (page 2).
- In September 2005, IDSN submitted information about
the
Moosa case to the UN Special Representative on Human
Rights Defenders, Ms. Hina Jilani although this case was not
mentioned in her report on communications to/from
governments since 2005
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UN Special Rapporteur on Racism takes up caste
discrimination (October 2003)
In his report to the UN General Assembly
in October 2003, Special Rapporteur on Racism, Doudou Diène
included the specific recommendation that "the question of
castes, because it is deeply rooted in value systems and
cultural and religious values and is pervasive and still
practised in the societies concerned, should be given
priority in the follow-up to the Durban Conference, in the
fight against all forms of discrimination and the promotion
of human rights worldwide." In his oral presentation to the
GA Third Committee on 24 October 2003, Mr. Diène highlighted
the caste issue, describing it as a type of discrimination
resilient in terms of prevalence and persistence, and
affecting both developing and developed countries. He called
on the General Assembly and countries to give priority
attention to this issue, and indicated that he would make it
a central concern in his next reports.
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