13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights

Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) and International Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN)

Across the globe, almost 270 million people are discriminated against, based on their present or ancestral occupation (work), descent or inherited status, such as caste. Collectively, they are known as Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent. Their marginalisation in political, social, and economic development 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.

Due to its hidden nature, especially within the complex ecosystems of global supply chains many businesses, particularly those with a global footprint may not be fully aware of the extent to which discrimination based on work and descent influences their supply chains.

A smart mix of measures at national, international, voluntary, and mandatory levels aimed at addressing discrimination based on work and descent as part of broader human rights due diligence processes and just transition strategies must be prioritised.