News and Events
Minister for Women and Equalities Responds to Question on Equality Act 2010
18th November 2025
Minister of State (Department for Business and Trade) Justin Madders submitted a written question to Minister of Women and Equalities Seema Malhotra about whether she will implement the power under section 9(5)(a) of the Equality Act 2010 to make caste a protected characteristic. In response, MP Malhotra stated, "The government is considering whether these existing remedies offer appropriate legal protection for victims of caste discrimination." Read more here. (This picture of MP Seema Malhotra has been sourced from her Facebook page.)
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Brief Report of the Webinar on Caste and FoRB in South Asia
18th November 2025
Introduction A webinar on Caste and Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in South Asia was convened on 29 September 2025, bringing together scholars, activists, and practitioners to deliberate on the intersection of caste and FoRB. The event was jointly organized by SAFFoRB, the Dalit Solidarity Network (UK), and The Inclusivity Project (USA). The session attracted around 80 participants from across the globe. Dr Elizabeth Joy, Director of the Dalit Solidarity Network UK, moderated the discussion, and Mr Samuel, Director of SAFFoRB extended the welcome address. Panellists included Mr. Paul Divakar (The Inclusivity Project, USA), Ms. Nimalka Fernando (IMADR, Sri [..]
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DSN UK Holds Anti-Caste Advocacy Meeting Debriefing at Senate House
18th November 2025
Following the anti-caste advocacy meeting held at the House of Lords on 15 September 2025, DSN UK congregated with an intimate group of scholars, policymakers, and activists at the Senate House in London on 16 September 2025 to debrief and identify next steps. The debriefing was chaired by Dr Shailesh Kumar, Lecturer in Law at Royal Holloway, University of London. The panel included: Dr Thol Thirumavalavan, Leader and President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi; Rt Rev Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Church of England; Amar, Director, Leicester Secular Society; and Aarti Rajput, Commonwealth Scholar at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. [..]
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DSN UK Hosts Anti-Caste Briefing at House of Lords
18th November 2025
On 15 September 2025, DSN UK gathered a group of committed activists, scholars, and policymakers to address the urgent need to add caste as a separate protected category within the United Kingdom's Equality Act 2010. The briefing was hosted by The Rt Rev. the Lord Harries of Pentregarth DD, a current member of the House of Lords. Following an opening address from Mr Bala Gnanapragasam, Chair of DSN UK's Board of Trustees, Warinder Juss MP shared a note on the anti-caste advocacy he is involved in as a Member of Parliament. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Thol Thirumavalavan, [..]
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DSN UK Hosts Community Outreach Event in Collaboration with Jaibhim Foundation Europe
18th November 2025
In collaboration with Jaibhim Foundation Europe, DSN UK hosted a community event on 14 September 2025 at Mayfield School, Dagenham, in London. At the event, Dr Thol Thirumavalavan, Leader and President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, addressed the audience in his keynote speech. Dr Gowthama Sanna, Deputy General Secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, also released two of his latest publications, People at Bay and Letters of Revolutionary. Both books are compilations and translations of Dr B R Ambedkar's unpublished works. Additionally, DSN UK Director Dr Elizabeth Joy delivered a speech on the fight against caste discrimination in the UK, highlighting DSN [..]
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