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CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 1

Base Code Guidance: Caste in Global Supply Chains CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 1

Summary 02 Definitions of terms used in this guidance 02 Introduction 04 Why is caste relevant to international businesses? 07 Some examples of caste in business operations: 07 Sectors affected by caste 08 Caste and the ETI Base Code 10 Recommendations to eliminate caste discrimination in businesses and supply chains: 17 STEP 1: Assess risks 17 STEP 2: Identify leverage, responsibility and actions 18 STEP 3: Take action by mitigating risk and providing remedy for workers 18 STEP 4: Monitor, review, report and improve 23 Annex 1: Existing guidance and tools 24 Annex 2: The legal international framework for the elimination of caste-based discrimination 26 Annex 3: Related national legislation in , Pakistan and Bangladesh 28 India – National legislation on caste-related labour rights 28 Pakistan – National legislation on caste-related labour rights 28 Bangladesh – National legislation on caste-related labour rights 28 Annex 4: References 29 Notes 33

Developed in consultation with Solidarity Network UK Photos: All photos by Jakob Carlsen/ International Dalit Solidarity Network unless specified 2 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 3

Summary Four steps to address caste in your business

Caste is one of the greatest sources of and Definitions of terms used discrimination in the world today, depriving people in this guidance of access to decent and human , and Assess risks used to justify and for millions Caste-based discrimination – includes discrimination across the globe. Yet many ethical trade stakeholders, based on caste, work and descent, as well as similar Caste discrimination is a unique including businesses, trade unions and non- forms of inherited status. form of discrimination and a salient governmental organisations (NGOs) alike, are not labour rights risk in the supply chain. Caste-affected countries – refers to countries where aware of the subject and how it may relate to them. Businesses and their suppliers need the practice of discrimination based on caste or With a lack of knowledge of the of caste to familiarise themselves with the similar systems of inherited status has evolved in the and its consequences, even progressive, responsible issue in order to mitigate against the country itself. businesses may undermine their own efforts to risks. This includes understanding protect workers’ rights and implement the Ethical are those most affected by caste-based direct and indirect causes and Trade Initiative (ETI) Base Code. discrimination. The term “Dalit” refers to members impacts, mapping the supply chain Take action of communities formerly considered to be to find out where caste-affected This caste guidance seeks to support businesses in This includes identifying changes to “untouchable” in South Asian caste systems and workers are and the specific risks understanding the risks posed by caste discrimination business practices that are needed encompasses communities suffering from they face. when their operations and supply chains stretch into in order to mitigate the risks of caste similar forms of discrimination on the basis of their caste-affected countries. The guidance explains how discrimination, engaging directly work and descent. In India, it designates those caste, if unaddressed, can fundamentally undermine with impacted workers or through who are considered to be at the lowest level of the the implementation of the ETI Base Code and their representatives, and putting country’s caste system. ensuring compliance on labour rights. This guidance in place grievance and remediation also sets out good governance and management Discrimination also affects tribal people, referred to mechanisms that are trusted and practices to enable businesses to proactively counter as “Adivasi”, and religious minorities, for example Identify responsibility fair. It is also critical to support caste-based discrimination, respect fundamental Muslims in India, or Hindus and Christians in Pakistan. workers to access their right to human rights, and advance access to decent work Given the complexities associated In India, Dalits are legally known as “Scheduled freedom of association and for all. with caste discrimination, businesses Castes” and Adivasis as “Scheduled ”. bargaining, as well as training need to identify the scale and scope and capacity building on worker- of corporate responsibility. This management communication. includes assessing leverage with suppliers, agents and contractors and supporting them to better understand caste-discrimination and the impact on workers. There Monitor is also a need to review policies and procedures to enable disadvantaged In addition to having all the right groups to access their rights to policies, mechanisms and procedures organise and bargain collectively, in place, there is a need to monitor as well as identify opportunities and review implementation. This for collaborative action for example may include KPIs at corporate with NGOs, trade unions and and workplace levels to review other companies. towards eliminating caste discrimination, and reporting publicly on policies, strategies and actions to manage and mitigate against caste discrimination. Detailed recommendations can be found on page 17 4 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 5

Introduction

An estimated 260 million people face caste discrimination globally, and in India, one in six people What is caste discrimination? If you are not are Dalits. Caste and labour Caste discrimination is the result of socially considered Research has shown that the majority of those embedded caste systems that divide people into human, human trapped in modern slavery, including child labourers, unequal and hierarchical social groups. rights do not forced labourers and those engaged in hazardous Of those working in bonded work, are from the lowest castes or indigenous Those in the lowest of castes, known as Dalits labour in India, Pakistan and apply to you. in South Asia, are often considered “impure” communities in caste-affected countries. Moni Rani Das, and “untouchable”, and may face practices 80% are Dalits or indigenous. Dalit woman activist The caste a person is born into in these nations often of segregation and restrictions in most aspects Anti-Slavery International from Bangladesh has a direct impact on his or her opportunities in of life, including where they can live, who relation to hiring, promotion, training, wages and they can marry and what work they can or benefits received in the workplace. must undertake. Any business sourcing from India, Bangladesh, A person’s caste may mean that he or she Of bonded labourers in the Pakistan, Nepal, or other caste-affected is forced to undertake the most dirty and world are found in India, countries1 needs to understand the mechanisms of hazardous and is in effect subject to 85% Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. caste discrimination. As foreign entities, it is not modern slavery. Due to widespread exclusion, always possible to know who is from what caste The Harvard Center for Human Rights Policy Dalits have limited access to resources, – Siddharth Kara and at risk of discrimination. In addition to being education, services and development, keeping discriminated against, Dalits (and uniquely among many in severe and making them the castes) are seen as being ‘untouchable’ and particularly vulnerable to child labour, slavery ‘polluting’ to others, which is at the root of much and trafficking. “Every single child labourer of the discrimination and human rights violations that I have documented against them. It is important to note that while Dalits constitute the vast majority of workers belongs to a low-caste or this guidance focuses on caste, India’s indigenous subjected to forced labour in South Asia, and 100% communities, also known as Adivasis, suffer from the majority of child labourers. The use of minority community.” similar exploitation in the labour market. violence, intimidation, sexual harassment, The Harvard Center for Human Rights Policy caste-based and social and economic – Siddharth Kara restrictions is not uncommon when Dalits attempt to claim their rights to equal treatment and equal opportunities in private, public or work-related spheres. Caste discrimination is outlawed in affected countries but a lack of implementation of legislation and caste- within justice systems leaves Dalits largely unprotected. 6 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 7

Caste discrimination is the single biggest Why is caste relevant to international businesses? enabler of labour exploitation and modern slavery in all of South Asia and arguably the Caste discrimination permeates every aspect of Some examples of caste single largest human and civil rights issue society, including the business sphere. in the contemporary world. discrimination in business operations: Due to the systemic nature of caste discrimination, Dr Aidan McQuade, Former Director, Anti-Slavery International it is highly likely that workplaces or supply chains • Exploitation of workers from caste-affected are affected by it unless special measures are put communities, including children and bonded in place. Companies’ obligations relate to the labourers, working under hazardous conditions prevention of discrimination both within their own for minimal pay. operations in caste-affected countries, and among • Poorer working conditions than non-Dalits, including their suppliers. longer working hours, sexual harassment, lower While many businesses have a ‘zero tolerance’ policy wages, being assigned the dirtier or more hazardous in relation to modern slavery, child labour and worker tasks and facing abusive language and gestures. exploitation, the problems associated with caste- • Discrimination in practices – based discrimination may arise in different forms qualified applicants from Dalit communities are in caste-affected countries, and it may be difficult not considered for skilled jobs and Dalits receive to identify the root cause. Audits rarely uncover negative treatment. workers affected by caste, as child labourers and forced or bonded (debt slaves) labourers may be • Discrimination in the services and utilities offered hidden. Similarly, auditors and reviewers employed by by an employer, such as housing, healthcare, and companies are often unaware of the issue, making it education and training. impossible to detect. Caste discrimination can also occur through direct investments in affected countries. As non Caste & UN Sustainable discrimination is a fundamental labour right that also Development Goal 8.7 affects other labour rights, it is a crucial element of corporate responsibility and accountability. Addressing caste goes to the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 8.7 outlines the need to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour. This is relevant in relation to caste in the global supply chain. Slavery and bonded labour continue to be closely associated with caste and the high levels of indebtedness resulting from exploitative employment relationships. Systems of indebtedness and slavery are often passed down through families, with children suffering some of the worst effects. UNICEF has noted that child labour is both a cause and a consequence of social inequalities reinforced by discrimination, including caste. 8 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 9

Sectors affected by caste

Carpet weaving Garments Low castes, predominantly Dalits, form the be enduring extreme levels of physical Studies have repeatedly found low-caste Dalit of movement and freedom of majority of the workers in the carpet weaving and psychological trauma. Carpet workers girls and women recruited under the “Sumangali association, amounting to conditions industries in India and Pakistan. About 20% were found to work 10-12 hours a day, six Scheme” suffering multiple rights violations in the of forced labour. The workers felt that of the workers are children and about half of or seven days a week, often sleeping in the spinning mills in India, which supply the global the supervisors were threatening and hostile, the workers are found to be subject to forced workshop. Carpet weaving is typically a cottage garment industry. Employees were found to work and there were reports of sexual harassment. labour. The working conditions have been industry and thus often overlooked by law a 68-hour week, with no contracts or payslips, Tragically, a number of girls committed suicide described as “brutal, corrosive, dangerous enforcement and audits, but nonetheless no education and no bonus. They were locked while on the company compound. Studies and exploitative”, and children are found to supplies global markets. inside factory and dormitory compounds during have also found extensive violations in working and non-working hours. At the mills home-based work in India, supplying the investigated, there were violations of freedom garment industry.

Leather In 2017, extensive field research into the Indian to “leather worker” castes, employees leather industry found unacceptable health risks in are expected to carry out this labour Agriculture production hubs supplying hides, leather, garments regardless of the working conditions. Other Agriculture employs more bonded labourers than are low caste – Dalits or Adviasis – and footwear for export. The report uncovered violations included the use of child labour, below all other industries and services combined. In India and are subject to hazardous work that Dalits and Muslims made up most of the 2.5 minimum wages and obstructing the organisation it accounts for 85% of bonded workers. Work days and harmful chemicals. A 2017 ILO study million leather workers. As this employment is of trade unions. The ILO found similar conditions are extremely long, payment is nominal and may found Dalits to be particularly vulnerable to historically bound to caste, where working with in Pakistan's leather industry. only consist of receiving two meals a day, and the exploitation in the sugar cane industry, where animal skins is seen as “impure” and thus relegated work is gruelling. Supply chain related products bonded and child labour were common, and affected include cottonseed, cotton, sugar, rice and the work undertaken highly dangerous. Dalits tea. Reports have documented that almost half a working in tea plantations in Bangladesh and million children in India work as child labourers in India suffer below minimum wages, hazardous Stone and minerals the cottonseed production industry. Most of them work and long hours. Low caste, Dalit and Adivasi workers make supply the global cosmetics industry also up most of the workforce mining stones and show a pattern of low caste and Adivasi minerals in India. Studies from Rajasthan – a workers, many children, working under region that supplies sandstone and marble to extremely hazardous conditions. Studies Construction international companies – find massive violation on the synthetic gemstone industry in Several studies have documented child and bonded The report found that discrimination of labour rights in the mining sector, including Tamil Nadu likewise found widespread labour in the brick kilns in India and Pakistan. and exclusion, along with the way widespread child labour and dangerous working child bonded labour with nearly all children Reports have found workers being threatened, brick kiln moulders are recruited and conditions. Reports on the mining of Mica to being Dalits. punished and sometimes murdered if they try paid, underpins the widespread existence to escape. In 2018 a report by Anti-Slavery of slavery in the kilns and the limited International documented widespread slavery in opportunities for workers to escape. India India's brick-making industry and found that the produces about 250 billion bricks yearly majority of workers are Dalits. Whole families, for domestic and international use and including small children, work 9-12 hours a day comes third on the list of the world's top in debt bondage, with little recourse to justice. exporters of bricks. 10 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 11

Caste and the ETI Base Code

Caste discrimination intersects with every part of the 2. Freedom of association and the 3. Working conditions are safe and ETI Base Code and is a major cross-cutting concern. Factors contributing to the lowest castes being particularly at risk of slavery include: right to collective bargaining are hygienic respected 1. Employment is freely chosen • Many low caste workers, particularly Within caste-affected countries, there is often Dalits, live in poverty as their opportunities a direct link between caste status and doing Forced and bonded labour is often interlinked with Freedom of association and the right to collective to change their circumstances are reduced unclean and hazardous work. Widely held views the caste system in South Asia, as documented by bargaining remains a challenge for most low-caste by deeply engrained discrimination. They and entrenched social norms dictate that certain the International Labour Organization (ILO), Anti- workers. Even when workers are permitted to join are typically paying off debts or receiving castes are born to do such work, with such unsafe Slavery International, UN Special Procedures and unions and such unions are present, these may be unacceptably low wages; debts may also be conditions rarely challenged by workers or managers. the Global Slavery Index. The majority of forced divided along caste lines, with those from the most inherited. and bonded labourers in South Asia are from the disadvantaged castes having the least bargaining Even if low-caste workers challenge these conditions, power. If unions do offer equal voice and bargaining lowest castes, and work in sectors such as agriculture, • A certain type of work may have been social acceptance of their lack of opportunities and power to different castes, the lack of low-caste brick-making, mining, carpet production and textile prescribed to their caste for centuries, income-generating options mean that their concerns representation among trade union leaders can lead production (in tanneries and spinning mills, for they are born into the work and it is socially may not be addressed. In addition to this, they may to their issues being overlooked. example). UK-based NGO Anti-Slavery International unacceptable for them to seek alternative not have received health and safety training on issues estimates that 80-89% of bonded labourers in India, work. If they do, they may face serious Dalit women, who face intersectional discrimination, such as exposure to chemicals or carrying heavy loads. Nepal and Pakistan are from Dalit or indigenous repercussions, including violence, damage are even more likely to be unsupported by trade In some instances, workers also stay at company- communities.2 to their property, and social and economic union initiatives. There is a general lack of awareness run hostels or accommodation, where their living restrictions. Bonded labour in caste-affected countries generally of the benefits of trade unions among Dalit women. conditions may be very cramped and access to water, For example, reports on the Sumangali scheme in stems from a low caste or Adivasi worker being • Caste bias within law enforcement and the sanitation and nutritious food limited. Workers from the garment industry have documented violations forced to take a loan to cover household bills, judiciary in caste-affected countries persists, the lowest castes are also the least likely to have of the right to freedom of association in spinning marriage or medical treatment and then working to and those enslaved by dominant caste land or proper access to healthcare facilities and are often mills, where workers commented that they did not pay off the loan and any accrued interest, with no business owners have little or no recourse to not paid well enough to be able to afford treatment think unions were open to them3. Similarly, in the control over payments. Debts may take a lifetime to justice and lack opportunities to escape their even if diagnosed. leather industry, Dalit workers report that they are pay off and can also be inter-generational, with debts bondage. inherited by children and other family members. As frightened to join unions. the lowest castes have the least alternatives and • Many of the lowest castes are less educated and less aware of their rights due are generally also the poorest, they are extremely It is increasingly difficult to mobilise vulnerable to this type of slavery. to centuries of , discrimination and lack of access to basic services. workers… Every day workers in various Reliable data on the extent of caste-based forced units are getting victimised. We fail to and bonded labour in industries connected to • Social, cultural and economic exclusion give them adequate support. We have multi-national supply chains is generally lacking, as result in a lack of opportunities, meaning that no rights here. the private sector does not typically collect data Dalits are at higher risk of human trafficking. Das, a Dalit leather worker4 differentiated by caste. However, there have been several sector-specific reports and extensive studies over the years that have highlighted the grave Anti-Slavery International’s extensive research on problems faced by some of these industries. low-caste workers exploited in India’s brick kiln revealed that due to caste discrimination, workers For example, the “Sumangali” practice whereby can be excluded from or receive limited assistance young girls work in India’s spinning mills under deeply from unions and are unable to negotiate for even the exploitative conditions has been widely studied. .5 Where the Sumangali scheme has been abolished or discontinued, it has often been replaced by equally exploitative systems. 12 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 13

4. Child labour shall not be used 5. Living wages are paid 6. Working hours are not excessive Key factors putting low caste workers at risk The connections between child labour and the of child labour: Workers from the lowest caste are rarely paid a Due to their marginalised status in society – and caste system are significant, with numerous studies living wage and usually earn less than members dependence on accepting whatever form of work • The low socio-economic status of low-caste highlighting that those most at risk of engaging in of dominant castes for similar work. The monthly is available to them – the lowest castes, especially families and their social marginalisation child labour in caste-affected countries are the lowest income of 85% of Dalit workers ranges between Rs. Dalits, are often exploited in the workplace and means they typically receive low wages that castes and indigenous communities. 500 to Rs. 3,000 per month, according to a 2008 forced to work excessive hours without being are insufficient to feed their family. Therefore, study on the plight of Dalits in Pakistan supported by compensated accordingly. They may also face the whole family, including children, must Interlinking factors including poverty, caste-based the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies. However, even at threats and physical or verbal abuse if they refuse work if the family is to survive. occupational expectations, lack of access to justice the maximum level of Rs. 3,000, this is 35% less than to do the extra work. Their vulnerability to for the lowest castes and severe discrimination in • With children working and not attending the official national minimum wage of an unskilled exploitation is reinforced by their lack of awareness schools,6 leads Dalit and Advasi children to attend school, the cycle of poverty and inadequate worker.9 Low caste workers in Pakistan typically work of their rights, and lack of access to redress for school infrequently or drop out completely. This access to their rights continues generation in agriculture, sugar, sports goods production, leather, violations of these rights. pushes many low caste children into the labour after generation, perpetuating a system of brick-making and other industries linked to global market and perpetuates a cycle of exploitation, Violations of working hours are found across all the child labour exploitation in caste-affected supply chains. poverty and exclusion. sectors mentioned in this guidance, and the lower countries. A study of tea workers in Bangladesh, 90% of whom the caste, the more difficult it is for workers to This may be the case even in countries such as India, • Caste discrimination in education means are Dalits, found that Dalit workers received wages stand up to employers and refuse to work the hours where rates of school enrolment are typically high. that, in particular, Dalit and Adavasi children below the legal minimum. Labourers saw no option demanded of them. According to UNICEF, the highest rate of exclusion are often not offered the same education other than to have their children work alongside from primary school in India and the highest dropout opportunities as other pupils. Segregation, them and toil for extremely long hours with very rates relate to Dalit girls.7 bullying and discrimination at school may few days off, in order to pluck the required volume of Some of the key industries in South Asia in which low result in these children dropping out and being leaves and feed their families.10 put to work instead of getting an education. caste children are working as child labourers include In India, sub-minimum wages are also a widespread garment production, cotton-picking, cottonseed • Caste discrimination in access to the labour phenomenon when it comes to the lowest castes. production, sports goods manufacturing, leather, market also means that some families do not Often, they are part of an invisible workforce whose synthetic gemstones, sugar, mining, carpet-weaving, prioritise education, as the perception is that wages are not recorded or who are working to pay tea and brick-making. Children often work alongside even when educated on an equal footing with off debts and interests controlled by their employers. their parents on smallholdings or in small family those of dominant castes, their children will An extensive study by the University of California businesses, with parents seeing no option other not be offered the same opportunities. on home-based garment workers in India found that than to send their children to work in order to 99% of workers, the majority of whom were either feed their families. • Caste bias within law enforcement and the Dalits or Muslims, toiled in conditions of forced judiciary in caste-affected countries persists, labour under Indian law. The study also found that and those working in child labour for dominant Every single child labourer that I have most workers received between 50% and 90% caste land or business owners have little or documented comes from a highly less than the state-stipulated minimum wage. The no recourse to justice and lack opportunities impoverished family unit and belongs prevalence of child labour was over 15% and many to escape. 11 to a low-caste or minority community. cases of bonded labour were also documented. Siddharth Kara, Director of the Program on Even in urban settings and among skilled workers, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery at urban Dalit women earn half the average daily wage Harvard University8 earned by non-Dalit women, and urban Dalit men earn 62% of the wage earned by non-Dalit men.12 14 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 15

7. No discrimination is practised 9. No harsh or inhumane treatment The perception that South Asia’s lowest castes, is allowed and particularly Dalits, should be restricted to their Beyond being forced to carry out hazardous work, traditional low status occupation is widespread, and other safety concerns apply. For Dalit women, those who have obtained educational qualifications sexual harassment and rape at the workplace are can find it difficult to get work. Widespread serious concerns. Dalit women are traditionally discrimination exists in both hiring processes and viewed as inferior, and due to engrained caste bias, in terms of who is offered training, promotions and their recourse to justice in cases of sexual abuse is 13 other benefits. Deeply engrained caste also very limited. Consequently, there is a widespread means that those of the lowest castes may not be perception that dominant caste perpetrators can offered certain positions, training or promotions abuse Dalit women with no penalty, and many turn a purely on the basis of their caste. Discrimination also blind eye to such abuses. occurs in terms of access to work-related services, including meals, water, services and accommodation. For example, Human Rights Watch reported that Low caste, and particularly Dalit and Adivasi women, during their years of bonded labour in Tamil Nadu’s face multiple types of discrimination, making spinning mills, young Dalit women were subjected them particularly vulnerable to the worst forms to serious workplace abuses, severe restrictions on of labour exploitation. freedom of movement and communication, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and some 8. Regular employment is provided even died. Most Sumangali workers did not report such abuses for fear of retribution.15 The lowest castes, and particularly Dalits, are often employed in irregular, by-the-hour employment or work as seasonal labourers with no security. Their marginalised position in society and the job market means they are forced to accept poor terms of employment. Similarly, they may not be aware of their rights in terms of expecting a contract or regular employment after many years’ service. Studies have found that 48% of Dalit workers are engaged as casual labourers and only 12% of Dalits are regularly employed workers.14 Casual labour occurs within all the industries mentioned in this guidance. 16 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 17

Recommendations to eliminate caste discrimination in businesses and supply chains:

Doing business in caste-affected countries creates STEP 1: Assess human rights risks direct employment for millions, contributes indirectly to employment for millions more and adds to 1. Review actual and potential risks of caste governments’ available funding for healthcare, discrimination in business operations and education and other social services. A proactive supply chains engagement by business on the issue of caste can Firstly, review overall country risks as well as help ensure that these benefits are shared more risks within particular supply chains. The Dalit equally across society, particularly among those Discrimination Check16 and the Ambedkar who would otherwise be excluded. Working to Principles17 provide guidance on whether caste-based address caste-based discrimination in South Asia’s discrimination is likely to be an issue within business supply chains may also be one of the most effective operations or supply chains in particular countries. ways of combating ETI Base Code violations in the Include an assessment of supplier human resource region. However, there are currently few examples of systems, contracting and recruitment practices. It businesses that are able to address the root causes, is important to cross-reference where highlighting the need to accelerate efforts. possible, and to consider whether there is a need for Tackling caste discrimination and ensuring respect third party advice. for labour rights is integral to corporate responsibility 2. Map supply chains to assess the status of the and goes beyond legal compliance. The UN Guiding most vulnerable and socially excluded workers Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) provide a framework to help businesses prevent and Where possible, include worker surveys to better address the risk of human rights abuses in general, understand employment conditions, wages and including in their supply chains. Discrimination benefits, taking into consideration gender-related based on caste is a violation of human rights and differences. Note that the most vulnerable workers must be addressed by businesses operating in often remain invisible within the supply chain. Map caste-affected countries. any trade unions recognised in associated factories to determine their capacity and position on tackling In order to identify, prevent, mitigate and account caste discrimination, including how this can be for how companies address their adverse human translated into workplace education activities. rights impacts, it is vital to conduct human rights due diligence. This process should include assessing actual and potential adverse human rights impacts, integrating and acting on the findings, tracking responses, and communicating how issues are addressed. This guidance provides a roadmap for companies of all sizes and in all tiers of the global supply chain to develop step-by-step approaches to addressing caste discrimination. It draws on the UNGPs and ETI’s Human Rights Due Diligence Framework as the basis for conducting due diligence. 18 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 19

STEP 2: Identify leverage, STEP 3: Take action by mitigating risk RECRUITMENT PRACTICES 12. Support suppliers in introducing a plan to responsibility and actions and providing remedy for workers 11. Work with suppliers to ensure fair include and support socially marginalised groups, recruitment, selection and career development particularly Dalits and Adivasis, paying special attention to women 3. Assess the extent to which your supply chain POLICY COMMITMENT processes for workers is affected by caste discrimination This type of partnership can be a concrete step Plans may include efforts for suppliers to recruit and 7. Develop a policy on anti-discrimination and train people with specialist knowledge of particular Establish how your business operations may have towards mitigating the risks of caste discrimination. equal opportunities specifically addressing caste socially excluded groups, particularly if these groups directly or indirectly caused or contributed to caste Encourage suppliers to pay particular attention to discrimination in business operations are under-represented as employees in relation to discrimination against workers. Consider the actions Dalits, Adivasis and other socially-excluded groups. This should include implementation steps and their proportion of the local population. This could that could be taken with your suppliers to mitigate responsibility for implementing the policy. Ensure include developing comprehensive (and ideally joint) and manage the risks. the policy is communicated to all suppliers in caste- training opportunities for employees and potential 4. Assess your leverage with suppliers, agents affected countries. recruits from socially excluded communities. Where and contractors relevant, businesses could also consider setting 8. Encourage suppliers to develop a policy targets for the number of employees that suppliers Identify where and how you could exercise a positive prohibiting all forms of harassment and degrading ought to recruit from socially excluded groups. influence among suppliers, agents and contractors treatment in the workplace by building trust and developing long-term business The policy should specifically mention the prohibition partnerships. Engage with suppliers as much as of caste-based harassment. Support suppliers in possible and support supplier capacity building rather communicating these policies to all employees. relying on a compliance-based auditing approach. 9. Undertake caste awareness and and 5. Review supplier policies and practices on inclusion training for senior leaders dealing with recruitment, pay, working hours, health and caste-affected countries or populations safety, focusing on lower-caste groups This can be developed in conjunction with NGOs, Where gaps are identified, work with suppliers to discrimination experts or human rights organisations. improve their policies and practices, in order to Organisational leaders may also find it useful to reduce the risk of caste discrimination. Ensure that familiarise themselves with the UN Guidance Tool on suppliers are familiar with national legislation related Descent-based Discrimination18 and other resources to caste and are aware of the need to monitor listed in the annexes, including the Ambedkar operations for breaches. An overview of national Principles19 and The Dalit Discrimination Check.20 caste-related legislation can be found in Annex 4. 10. Demand zero tolerance for caste-bias and 6. Identify opportunities for collaborative action, caste-related abuse including with NGOs, trade unions and other companies Be clear that your business will not tolerate caste- based abuse or caste-bias, whether it takes place Given that caste-based discrimination is heavily on factory floors or in HR departments, in influenced by societal norms and cultures, there procurement or anywhere else in your operations are gains to be made by engaging with international, or those of suppliers. national and local NGOs working with Dalit communities, trade-unions and other companies also tackling caste discrimination. 20 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 21

WORKER REPRESENTATION GRIEVANCE & REMEDY

13. Ensure suppliers understand the value of 16. Ensure that there are grievance mechanisms worker representation and the inclusion of all in place that support socially excluded workers, regardless of caste groups in bringing their concerns and cases of discrimination Where no formal trade unions exist, work with suppliers to ensure lower-caste workers have access These mechanisms should be widely publicised, to democratically elected representatives who can so that all groups are aware of them and able to represent their interests effectively. use them. They should meet the following core criteria: legitimacy; accessibility; predictability; 14. Invest in education and awareness-raising on equality; compatibility with internationally workplace equality acceptable rights; transparency. This could take place through recognised unions, 17. When you uncover instances of having federations, workers associations or labour rights unintentionally contributed to adverse human NGOs, particularly those with a focus on addressing rights impacts, ensure timely and effective caste discrimination. remedy for all affected people 15. Include commitments to combat caste- Develop and implement a plan to address based discrimination within Global Framework and remedy any discriminatory practices that has affected caste workers. It is critical to first Photograph by Claudia Janke Agreements (GFAs) Where GFAs exist between international and national understand the nature and severity of an incident and then develop an appropriate response, Case study: TATA takes action on supplier diversity and inclusion trade unions and multi-national corporations, include practical measures, in line with the guidance including by engaging with the affected workers and other stakeholders. TATA established its Tata TATA’s initiatives to help ensure supplier diversity above, to advance commitments to preventing Programme (TAAP) in 2007, following a company- emphasised the importance of supporting Dalit caste discrimination. 18. Prevent re-occurrence through training on wide survey to assess the caste composition of the and Adivasi entrepreneurship and promoting combating caste discrimination organisation’s workforce across all Tata companies the use of companies run by Dalits or Adivasis Through dedicated training, ensure that both your and trusts. This was a pioneering move at a time as suppliers. As a result, substantial sections of company and suppliers comply with all national when large businesses in India were not focusing the business are now outsourced to Dalit-run legislation. The training should also include on caste discrimination. Having researched the companies. Additionally, TATA now offers training partnering with suppliers on time-bound corrective issue in depth, the TATA group found that it would to Dalit entrepreneurs.21 TATA has also focused its action plans. not be possible to counter discrimination without corporate responsibility activities on supporting directly addressing caste. education for Dalits and Adivasis, offering 19. Collaborate with other companies, NGOs and thousands of scholarships and other education trade unions to combat caste discrimination at a Following the caste survey, TATA out to initiatives. improve equal opportunities and overcome historic systemic level by launching an ambitious programme These measures have seen TATA take a leading Given the complexities of caste-discrimination, of affirmative action (whereby an employer makes position in India in terms of combating caste-based there are significant benefits to be derived from a significant effort to hire, train and promote discrimination in its operations. Following TATA’s collaborating with other stakeholders to achieve employees of previously excluded groups), together example, several other major Indian companies, scale, impact and lasting change. with supplier diversity initiatives. Beyond screening including the Forbes Marshall Group, Godrej its companies for existing caste biases in hiring and Consumer Products Limited, Infosys Technologies, promotion, TATA also took positive discrimination Crompton Greaves and Moder, have launched measures for Dalit and Adivasi candidates, and affirmative action or supplier diversity policies providing extra training. aimed at diversifying their workforce.22 23 22 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 23

STEP 4: Monitor, review, report and improve

20. Develop KPIs and verification measures to help track prevalence of discriminatory behaviour Ensure that such measures monitor any discrimination against socially excluded groups and any changes in working conditions.

21. Involve Dalits and other socially excluded caste groups in improving company policies Promote an inclusive approach to assessing, establishing and monitoring company policies on caste discrimination, making sure to involve all castes, and ask suppliers to do the same.

22. Report annually on progress towards eliminating caste discrimination

Photograph by Claudia Janke This should include progress against the key performance indicators identified above, and demonstrate quantifiable changes in working Case study: Combating modern ’s textile industry conditions for caste-affected workers. ETI tripartite members initiated a programme The project has made important advances in aimed at eliminating exploitative practices in the changing working conditions in these mills textile and garment industry of South India in by empowering the local workers to organise 2012, following numerous reports24 documenting themselves into committees and starting to modern slavery and serious labour rights violations address migrant workers’ issues. Participating in the region’s spinning mills. stakeholders also provided gender awareness training for male supervisors to help prevent The ETI Tamil Nadu Multi-Stakeholder (TNMS) harassment. Additionally, the project offered programme consists of three components: training to low-caste families considering sending • A worker peer group programme (WPGP) at mill their daughters to work in mills, in order to help or factory-level, aiming to establish mechanisms them learn and understand their daughters’ for workers to exercise their rights within rights (rather than warning them against seeking factories and mills employment). In this way, the girls would know that they were entitled to contracts, minimum • A community outreach programme, educating wages and other employment benefits before and raising awareness within communities where entering the mills. recruitment takes place The Sumangali practice persists in the industry, • A policy and legislative reform effort, aiming however, programmes like the ETI TNMS project to tackle policy gaps at industry level that are contributing to some progress for the girls enable exploitative practices (like the Sumangali and women concerned. scheme) to exist. 24 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 25

Annex 1: Existing guidance and tools

The Confederation of Indian ILO, Combating Forced Labour: Draft UN Principles and The UN Guiding Principles on ISO 26000 Industries Code of Conduct for A Handbook for Employers and Guidelines for the Effective Business and Human Rights The ISO 26000 standard on Affirmative Action25 relates to Business Elimination of Discrimination (UNGPs) social responsibility for all non-discrimination, assistance www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/ based on Work and Descent29 The UNGPs highlight the organisations was finalised in and transparency with respect to public/---ed_norm/---declaration/ This is the most comprehensive importance of non-discrimination, 2010. The standard has been employees, applicants or vendors documents/publication / legal framework developed with particular attention to the developed by stakeholder groups from the Scheduled Castes and wcms_101171.pdf to eliminate discrimination rights and needs of, as well as the comprising, among others, Scheduled Tribes communities. based on work and descent, challenges faced by, individuals industry, government, labour, ETI Base Code Guidance 26 the UN terminology for caste from vulnerable groups or consumers and NGOs, with The Ambedkar Principles Documents discrimination. Based on existing populations. working groups in 83 countries. published by the International • ETI Base Code Guidance: international human rights The standard includes references Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) Modern Slavery principles and obligations, the UN Global Compact to people discriminated against contain a set of employment • ETI Base Code Guidance: framework proposes general and The UN Global Compact Principle on the basis of descent, including and other principles to address Child Labour special measures to be taken by 6: “Businesses should uphold caste: “Hundreds of millions of economic and of • ETI Base Code Guidance: Gender multiple stakeholders. Although the elimination of discrimination people are discriminated against Dalits in South Asia. Achieving Equality Part A and Part B still a draft, the UN Principles and in respect of employment because of their hereditary status or systemic change of this kind, while and occupation.” See also the UN Guidance Tool on Descent- Guidelines constitute a strong descent. This form of discrimination ensuring the maximum social tool to encourage specific anti- Good Practice Note on Non- is based on a history of rights abuse benefit and the fewest unintended Based Discrimination: Key Discrimination and Equal Challenges and Strategic discrimination legislation and justified by the wrongful notion negative consequences, requires a relevant policy measures for Opportunity, in which caste is that some people are considered strong understanding of the most Approaches to Combat Caste- mentioned.30 Based and Analogous Forms governments and their agencies, unclean or less worthy because of fundamental power dynamics UN and other international the group into which they are born. within a society. Many of these of Discrimination – United Nations Network on Racial agencies, educational institutions, An organization should avoid such dynamics relate to gender and non-governmental organisations practices and, where feasible, seek caste. It is vital that all of these Discrimination and Protection of Minorities28 and the private sector. to contribute to eliminating these issues should be understood. prejudices.” 31 The UN Office of the High The soft law framework is The Dalit Discrimination Commissioner for Human 27 the result of a UN study on Check was developed by the Rights (OHCHR) published discrimination based on work Human Rights and Business a comprehensive guidance and descent undertaken by the Programme of the Danish Institute tool addressing caste-based former UN Sub-Commission on for Human Rights and IDSN with discrimination in 2017. The tool is the Promotion and Protection the support of the Danish Ministry designed to support UN country of Human Rights. The mandate of Foreign Affairs. It is a specialised teams, agencies and other was formally endorsed by the approach under the Human Rights stakeholders, including businesses Commission on Human Rights Compliance Assessment (HRCA) operating and sourcing in caste- in 2005 and the final report, and applies HRCA content and affected countries, in combating including the draft principles and to detecting abuses caste-based discrimination. guidelines, was published by the related to caste discrimination in Human Rights Council at its 11th South Asia. The Check is available session in 2009. for free online: https://hrca2. humanrightsbusiness.org/docs/ file/DALIT_DISCRIMINATION_ CHECK[1].pdf 26 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 27

Annex 2: The legal international framework for the elimination of caste-based discrimination

ILO concerning Article 22. “Multinational CESCR General Comment Discrimination in Respect of enterprises should be guided by No. 20 on non-discrimination Employment and Occupation this general principle throughout This General Comment was no. 11132 their operations without prejudice adopted by the UN Committee This convention underlines to the measures envisaged in on Economic, Social and the responsibility to eliminate paragraph 18 or to government Cultural Rights (CESCR) at its any form of discrimination and policies designed to correct 42nd session in May 2009. In further specifies that “special historical patterns of discrimination this General Comment, the measures designed to meet the and thereby to extend equality Committee reaffirms that “the particular requirements of persons of opportunity and treatment prohibited ground of birth also who, for reasons such as sex, age, in employment. Multinational includes descent, especially on disablement, family responsibilities enterprises should accordingly the basis of caste and analogous or social or cultural status, are make qualifications, skill and systems of inherited status”. generally recognised to require experience the basis for the The Committee recommends special protection or assistance, recruitment, placement, training State parties to “take steps, for shall not be deemed to be and advancement of their staff at instance, to prevent, prohibit and discrimination.” (Article 5) all levels.” eliminate discriminatory practices directed against members of ILO Tripartite Declaration CERD General descent-based communities and of Principles concerning Recommendation 29 on act against dissemination of ideas Multinational Enterprises and descent-based discrimination 33 of superiority and inferiority on the Social Policy The UN Committee on basis of descent”. > Link to CESCR The principles laid down in the Elimination of Racial General Comment No. 20 on non- this universal instrument offer Discrimination (CERD) takes discrimination guidelines to multi-national caste-based discrimination into companies, governments consideration when examining and employers’ and workers’ countries of particular concern. organisations in areas such as In 2002, CERD adopted General employment, training, working Recommendation 29 on the conditions and quality of life, and term “descent” in article 1(1) of industrial relations. Its provisions the Convention. The General are reinforced by International Recommendation reaffirmed Labour Conventions and that caste-based discrimination Recommendations. falls within the scope of the Convention and therefore Article 21. “All governments constitutes an effective framework should pursue policies designed to to improve analysis and reporting promote equality of opportunity on governments’ performances. and treatment in employment, Affected countries are now with a view to eliminating any obliged to report to CERD, taking discrimination based on race, into consideration the specific colour, sex, , political recommendations made by the opinion, national extraction or Committee. > Link to CERD social origin.” General Recommendation 29 on descent 28 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 29

Annex 3: Related national legislation in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh Annex 4: References

India – Pakistan – Bangladesh – Report of the Special Rapporteur Srivastava, Ravi S (2005) Bonded Report of the Director-General on contemporary forms of Labour in India: Its Incidence (2007) Equality at work: Tackling National legislation National legislation National legislation slavery, including its causes and and Pattern. International Labour the challenges. International on caste-related on caste-related on caste-related consequences (2016) Human Office. Available at https://www. Labour Conference 96th Session labour rights labour rights labour rights Rights Council 33rd Session ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/- 2007. Available at https://www. Agenda Item 3. Available on --ed_norm/---declaration/ ilo.org/public/portugue/region/ Constitution of India – Constitution of Pakistan Constitution of Bangladesh Part https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/ documents/publication/ eurpro/lisbon/pdf/equality_07.pdf especially Part III – Fundamental (Articles 11; 17; 25 and 37(e)) II – Articles 10; 14; 15; 19; 20 & doc/UNDOC/GEN/G16/142/67/ wcms_081967.pdf Rights Part III – Articles 28; 34; 38 PDF/G1614267.pdf?OpenElement Center for Research on The Factories Act, 1934, Upadhyaya, Krishna Prashad and Multinational Corporations The Scheduled Castes and The amended in 1997, (Sections 18; Bangladesh Labour Law 2006 Human Rights Watch (1996) The Anti-Slavery International (2008) and India Committee of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention 20; 21; 32; 34; 36; and 47) (Sections 2; 3(A); 5; 11; 29; 30; 31; Small Hands of Slavery: Bonded Poverty, Discrimination and Slavery: (2011) Report: of Atrocities) Act, 1989 46; 100; 121; 123; 140; 148; 2(15)) Captured by Cotton – Exploited The West Pakistan Maternity Child Labor in India. Human Rights the of bonded labour in An Act to prevent atrocities Dalit girls produce garments Benefit Ordinance, 1958 Find a full overview of the caste Watch. Available on https://www. India, Nepal and Pakistan. Anti- against the members of the in India for European and US (Sections 3 and 4) and labour relevant sections of the hrw.org/legacy/reports/1996/ Slavery International. Available Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and markets. India Committee of legislation on www.idsn.org/caste- India3.htm#P804_161806 on http://www.antislavery.org/ Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis), the Netherlands. Available The Industrial and Commercial labour-legislation-bangladesh wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1- provide for special courts for Employment (Standing orders) Kara, Siddharth (2012) Bonded poverty-discrimination-slavery- on http://www.indianet.nl/ the trial of such offences and Ordinances, 1968 (Sections 2(A); Labor: Tackling the System of final.pdf CapturedByCotton.html help promote the relief and 10-B and 12) Slavery in South Asia. Columbia rehabilitation of the victims. University Press, Harvard. Dominguez, Gabriel (2014) Center for Research on Prevention and Control of Available on http://cup. “Poverty and caste” fueling Multinational Corporations The Bonded Labour System Human Trafficking Ordinance, columbia.edu/book/bonded- child labour in South Asia. DW. and India Committee of the (Abolition) Act, 1976 2002 (Section 3) labor/9780231158480 Available on https://www. Netherlands (2012) Report: Maid (especially Sections 2 and 4) dw.com/en/poverty-and-caste- in India – Young Dalit Women The Tea Plantations Labour ILO (2004) Combating bonded Continue to Suffer Exploitative Other relevant acts include: fueling-child-labor-in-south- Ordinance, 1962 (Sections 8; 9; labour in rural Pakistan. Conditions in India’s Garment The Plantations Labour Act, 1956; asia/a-17995553 – Harvard child 10; 14; 15 and 16) International Labour Organization. Industry. India Committee of the The Factories Act, 1948; The labour expert, Siddharth Kara, Available on https://www.ilo.org/ Netherlands. Available on http:// Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; Find a full overview of the caste comments that caste is a key global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/ www.indianet.nl/MaidInIndia.html The Employees’ Provident Fund and labour relevant sections of the factor underlying child labour in features/WCMS_075594/lang-- India. He says: “Every single child and Miscellaneous Provision Act, legislation on www.idsn.org/caste- en/index.htm IDSN (2017) Report: Widespread 1952; The Equal Renumeration labour-legislation-pakistan labourer that I have documented comes from a highly impoverished child slavery in India’s yarn Act, 1976; The Payment of Bonus Ercelawn, Aly and Nauman, industry, most victims are Dalits. Act, 1965; The Maternity Benefit Muhammad (2001) Bonded family unit and belongs to a low- caste or minority community.” IDSN Article. Available on https:// Act, 2017; and The Child Labour – An overview. idsn.org/21793-2/ (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, International Labour Organization. Loewenberg, Sam (2013) 1986 (Amended in 2012). Available on http://idsn.org/wp- Globalization’s permanent Center for Research on content/uploads/user_folder/pdf/ . Harvard T.H. Chan. Multinational Corporations Find a full overview of the caste New_files/Publications_from_ and India Committee of the and labour relevant sections of the Available at https://www.hsph. network/ILO_Piler_Report_ harvard.edu/news/magazine/ Netherlands (2014) Flawed legislation on www.idsn.org/caste- Bonded_Labour.pdf Fabrics: The abuse of girls and labour-legislation-india globalizations-permanent- underclass/ women workers in the South Indian textile industry. India Committee of the Netherlands. Available on http://www.indianet. nl/FlawedFabrics.html 30 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 31

Kara, Siddharth (2019) Tainted Venkateswarlu, Davuluri (2010) IDSN and PDSN alternative Human Rights Watch (1996) Garments: The Exploitation of Report: Growing Up in the Danger report for the UN Committee The Small Hands of Slavery: Women and Girls in India's Home- Fields – Child and Adult Labour on the Rights of the Child (2015) Bonded Child Labor in India, based Garment Sector. University in the Vegetable Seed Sector in Scheduled Caste Children in Synthetic Gemstones. Available of California. Available on India (2010). ILRF, ICN, Stop Child Pakistan. IDSN. Available on on https://www.hrw.org/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/ Labour. Available at http://www. https://idsn.org/wp-content/ legacy/reports/1996/India3. 1ixp7QunDHOkOwJstndfaeBpQ indianet.nl/pdf/dangerfields.pdf uploads/2015/07/IDSN-and- htm#P804_161806 HBh_-Bmq/view PDSN-alternative-report-on- CHR &GJ (2016) Every thirty Scheduled-Caste-Children-in- Global Research (Hyderabad) IDSN (2011) The cost of cotton – minutes: farmer suicides, human Pakistan-July-2015-CRC-Pakistan. and India Committee of the Every 30 minutes an Indian farmer rights, and the Agrarian crisis pdf Netherlands (ICN) (2015) Rock commits suicide. IDSN Article. in India. NYU School of Law Bottom: Modern Slavery and Child Available on https://idsn.org/the- Center for Human Rights and Gravis (2010) Women miners in Labour in South Indian Granite cost-of-cotton-every-30-minutes- . Available on Rajasthan: a reflection on their life, Quarries. Colofon. Available on an-indian-farmer-commits- https://chrgj.org/wp-content/ challenges and future. Available http://www.indianet.nl/pdf/ suicide/ uploads/2016/09/Farmer-Suicides. on http://www.indianet.nl/pdf/ RockBottom.pdf pdf WomenMinersInRajasthan.pdf IDSN (2017) New report: Low Kara, Siddharth (2014) Tainted caste children suffer in India’s ILO (2017) Child labour in the Dhaatri Resource Centre for Carpets: slavery and child labour cottonseed industry. IDSN Article. primary production of sugarcane. Women and Children – Samata in India’s hand-made carpet Available on https://idsn.org/new- Available on https://www.ilo. (2010) HAQ: Centre for Child sector. Harvard School of Public report-low-caste-children-suffer- org/ipec/Informationresources/ Rights, India's Childhood Health, Harvard University. in--cottonseed-industry/ WCMS_IPEC_PUB_29635/lang-- in the “Pits”. Available on Available on https://cdn2.sph. en/index.htm http://www.indianet.nl/pdf/ harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/ Umashankar, Dr. KG. (2015) End ChildrenAndMiningIndia.pdf sites/5/2014/01/Tainted-Carpets- all forms of Forced Labour in the IDSN (2017) Report: Dalit workers Released-01-28-14.pdf Garment Sector: A report of the in India’s leather industry suffer India Committee of the National Consultation. DSN-UK, serious rights abuses. IDSN Netherlands (2010) Mining and Powell, Alvin (2014), Handmade Read, NCDHR, TRAID. Available Article. Available on https://idsn. its effects on children, women, horrors, The Harvard Gazette. on http://www.indianet.nl/pdf/ org/report-dalit-workers-indias- Adivasi and Dalits. Available Available on https://news.harvard. EndAllFormsOfForcedLabourIn leather-industry-suffer-serious- on http://www.indianet.nl/pdf/ edu/gazette/story/2014/02/ TheGarmentSector.pdf rights-abuses/ MiningAndItsEffectsOnChildren. handmade-horrors/ pdf India Committee of the ILO (2004) A Rapid Assessment The World’s Top Exporters of Netherlands (2012) “Wages of of Bonded Labour in Hazardous Munstermann, Marius and Bricks. World Atlas. Available Inequality”- Women growing Industries in Pakistan: Glass Werner Christian, Spiegel Online on https://www.worldatlas. seeds for companies in India Bangle-making, Tanneries, and Report: The Mica Children – They com/articles/the-world-s-top- discriminated and underpaid. India Construction. ILO. Available on work in India's mines to supply exporters-of-bricks.html Committee of the Netherlands. https://idsn.org/wp-content/ the cosmetics and car paint Available on http://www.indianet. uploads/user_folder/pdf/ industries. Available on http:// Anti-Slavery International (2017) nl/121212e.html New_files/Key_Issues/Bonded_ www.spiegel.de/international/ Slavery in India’s Brick Kilns and Labour/2004_WP21_A_rapid_ tomorrow/a-1152334.html the Payment System. Available Venkateswarlu, Davuluri (2010) assessment_in_hazardous_ on http://www.antislavery.org/ Report: Seeds of Child labour – industries.pdf wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ Signs of Hope. ILRF, ICN, Stop Slavery-In-Indias-Brick-Kilns-The- Child Labour. Available on http:// Payment-System.pdf www.indianet.nl/pdf/signsofhope. pdf 32 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 33

Notes

1 Other caste-affected countries 6 Human Rights Watch (2014) 11 Kara, Siddharth (2019) Tainted include , , , They Say We’re Dirty: Denying an Garments: The Exploitation of , , Niger, Kenya, Education to India’s Marginalized. Women and Girls in India's Home- , Mali, Madagascar, Chad, Human Rights Watch. Available based Garment Sector. University , , Burkina Faso, on https://www.hrw.org/ of California. Available on https:// Mauritius and Suriname, and caste report/2014/04/22/they-say- drive.google.com/file/d/1ix discrimination can be found in were-dirty/denying-education- p7QunDHOkOwJstndfaeBpQ diaspora communities, including in indias-marginalized HBh_-Bmq/view the UK, South and the US. 7 International Dalit Solidarity 12 Centre for Social Equity & 2 Anti-Slavery (2001) Network (2014) UNICEF: Dalit Inclusion (2010) Quest for Equity: Discrimination on the Basis girls most excluded from primary Urban Dalit Women Employees of Work and Descent: The . IDSN. Available and Entrepreneurs. Centre for Enslavement Of Dalit And on https://idsn.org/unicef-dalit- Social Equity and Inclusion. Indigenous Communities In India, girls-most-excluded-from- Available at http://csei.org.in/wp- Nepal And Pakistan Through education-in-india/ content/uploads/2017/01/Quest- Debt Bondage. Anti-Slavery for-Equity-Urban-Dalit-Women- 8 Kara, Siddharth (2014) Tainted International. Available on http:// Employees-Entreprenuers.pdf Carpets: slavery and child labour www.antislavery.org/wp-content/ in India’s hand-made carpet 13 Ibid uploads/2017/01/goonesekere.pdf sector. Harvard School of Public 14 Centre for Social Equity & 3 International Dalit Solidarity Health, Harvard University. Inclusion (2010) Quest for Equity: Network (2014) Report: Dalit Available at https://cdn2.sph. Urban Dalit Women Employees girls in modern slavery in India’s harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/ and Entrepreneurs. Centre for textile industry. IDSN. Available sites/5/2014/01/Tainted-Carpets- Social Equity and Inclusion. on https://idsn.org/report-dalit- Released-01-28-14.pdf Available at http://csei.org.in/wp- girls-in-modern-slavery-in-indias- 9 Indian Institute of Dalit Studies content/uploads/2017/01/Quest- textile-industry/ (2008) Long Behind Schedule: A for-Equity-Urban-Dalit-Women- 4 International Dalit Solidarity Study on the plight of Scheduled Employees-Entreprenuers.pdf Network (2017) Report: Dalit Caste Hindus in Pakistan. Indian 15 Human Rights Watch (2015) workers in India’s leather industry Institute of Dalit Studies. Available World Report 2015. Human Rights suffer serious rights abuses. on http://idsn.org/wp-content/ Watch. Available on https://www. IDSN. Available on https://idsn. uploads/user_folder/pdf/Old_files/ hrw.org/world-report/2015 org/report-dalit-workers-indias- asia/pdf/RR_Pakistan.pdf leather-industry-suffer-serious- 16 Danish Institute for Human 10 BDERM Bangladesh Dalit and rights-abuses/ Rights & International Dalit Excluded Rights Movement (2018) Solidarity Network (2008) Dalit 5 Anti-Slavery International Social, Economic and Cultural Discrimination Check. IDSN. (2017) Slavery in India’s Brick Kilns Status of Dalit Community in Available on https://hrca2. and the Payment System. Available Bangladesh. BDERM. Available on humanrightsbusiness.org/docs/ on http://www.antislavery.org/wp- https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/ file/DALIT_DISCRIMINATION_ content/uploads/2017/09/Slavery- local/1425816/1930_1519916873_ CHECK%5b1%5d.pdf In-Indias-Brick-Kilns-The-Payment- int-cescr-css-bgd-30309-e.doc System.pdf 34 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 35

17 In 2006, revised in 2009, 22 Karunakaran, Naren (2009) 28 United Nations Network 32 International Labour the International Dalit Solidarity Bite the Caste Bullet. Outlook on and Organization (1958) C111 – Network proposed the Ambedkar Business. Available on https:// Protection of Minorities (2017) Discrimination (Employment and Principles, named after the idsn.org/wp-content/uploads/ Guidance Tool on Descent-Based Occupation) Convention, 1958 architect of the Indian constitution, user_folder/pdf/New_files/Press/ Discrimination Key Challenges and (No. 111). International Labour as a guidance to business on how Diversity_Cover_Story.pdf Strategic Approaches to Combat Organization. Available on http:// to respond effectively to the Caste-Based and Analogous www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f? 23 International Dalit Solidarity challenges of caste. These ETI Forms of Discrimination. Available p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO: Network (2018) India – Best principles are based upon those on https://www.ohchr.org/ :P12100_ILO_CODE:C111 Practice Supply Chain Initiatives. robust ideas. Documents/Issues/Minorities/ IDSN. Available on https://idsn. 33 International Labour GuidanceToolDiscrimination.pdf 18 International Dalit Solidarity org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ Organization (2017) Tripartite Network (2017) IDSN Roadmap Best-Practice-Supply-Chain- 29 International Dalit Solidarity declaration of principles to the UNOHCHR Guidance Tool Initiatives.pdf Network (2009) United Nations concerning multinational on Descent-based Discrimination. Principles and Guidelines for enterprises and social policy 24 International Dalit Solidarity IDSN. Available on https://idsn. the Effective Elimination of (MNE Declaration) – 5th Edition. Network (2014) Report: Dalit org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ Discrimination Based on Work Available on http://www.ilo. girls in modern slavery in India’s Digital-Final-IDSN-Guide-to-UN- and Descent: A Comprehensive org/empent/Publications/ textile industry. IDSN. Available GT.pdf Legal Framework to Eliminate WCMS_094386/lang--en/index. on https://idsn.org/report-dalit- Caste Discrimination Globally. htm 19 In 2006, revised in 2009, girls-in-modern-slavery-in-indias- IDSN. Available on http://idsn.org/ the International Dalit Solidarity textile-industry/ uploads/media/UN_Principles_ Network proposed the Ambedkar 25 Confederation of Indian And_Guidelines_-_IDSN.pdf Principles, named after the Industry (2006) Code of Conduct architect of the Indian constitution, 30 International Finance for Affirmative Action. Available as a guidance to business on how Corporation (2006) Good Practice on http://www.cii.in/documents/ to respond effectively to the Note on Non-Discrimination and Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf challenges of caste. These ETI Equal Opportunity. Available on principles are based upon those 26 International Dalit Solidarity http://www.unglobalcompact.org/ robust ideas. Network (2009) The Ambedkar resources/95 Principles: Principles and 20 Danish Institute for Human 31 International Organization for Guidelines to address Caste Rights and International Dalit Standardization (2010) Guidance Discrimination in the Private Solidarity Network (2008) Dalit on social responsibility. Available Sector. IDSN. Available on http:// Discrimination Check. IDSN. on https://www.iso.org/obp/ idsn.org/business-csr/ambedkar- Available on https://hrca2. ui/#iso:std:iso:26000:ed-1:v1:en principles/ humanrightsbusiness.org/docs/ file/DALIT_DISCRIMINATION_ 27 Danish Institute for Human CHECK%5b1%5d.pdf Rights & International Dalit Solidarity Network (2008) Dalit 21 TATA Group 2018) Affirmative Discrimination Check. IDSN. Action Initiatives – Best Practices. Available on https://hrca2. TATA Group. Available on humanrightsbusiness.org/docs/ https://idsn.org/wp-content/ file/DALIT_DISCRIMINATION_ uploads/2018/09/TATA-AA-policy. CHECK%5b1%5d.pdf pdf 36 CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS CASTE IN GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS 37 Supported by

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