ICDR International

With over 255 members across the globe, ICDR collaborates, networks, and provides technical support for its associates, civil society, government agencies, and the communities, as they strive to promote equal opportunities, civil rights, dignity, and rule of law. We empower Dalits, marginalized and underprivileged people, who often face disproportionate challenges and obstacles to live a dignified life. We investigate, expose discrimination, educate and mobilize the public, provide community services, and campaign to leverage for changes in policy and transform societies. The organization had the following key accomplishments during 2023: 1. Dalit Justice Initiative: Humanity United, a philanthropic organization, supported $200,000.00 grant on Dalit Justice Initiative in South Asia for two-years, from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2024. 2. Donation: Successfully generated $2,070 funds and in-kind service donations of $467,918. 3. Media Fellowship Program: Awarded Journalists from Nepal, India and Pakistan for fellowships in 2023. 4. Advocacy and Research Program: a Research and symposium, Built By Injustice: South Asian Migrant Worker Exploitation at Places of Worship in partnership with Hindu for Human Rights HfHR. b Continue Research, Political and Electoral Participation of Dalits in South Asia in partnership with International Foundation for Electoral Systems IFES. c Developed a research scope and framework on Caste-based Housing Discrimination in the United States. 5. Caste Freedom Index: Continue developing CFI strategy and identifying data sources for Nepal CFI and other South Asian countries. 6. Caste Debate In America: a Special Congressional Briefing on Fighting Caste-based Employment, Labor Exploitation and Injustice in the United Sates. b ICDR has led caste debate in America in consultation and collaboration with civil rights groups, academia, media and progressive allies as well as National Coalition against Caste In America. 7. United Nations Universal Periodic Review UPR: a Established a new coalition of minority, consisting of International Commission for Dalit Rights, Hindus for Human Rights, Indian American Muslim Council, Open Doors International, Justice for All, and World Evangelical Alliance, Works on UN-related human rights issues. b Submitted a collective report to the UN and drew attention to the challenges India's minorities face c Organized webinars, press meetings and Briefing. 8. ICDR Community and Immigration Service: a ICDR submitted application for Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation R&A to provide immigration legal services to low-income and indigent clients that are free or low-cost. b Build partnership with Victims Legal Network of DC VLNDC and US Committee for Refugee and Immigrants.