Stichting Diaspora in Action for Human Rights And Democracy
Budget
€337,565
EP Access
1
accredited persons
Staff
2
2 FTE
EU Grants
€61,245
Mission & Goals
Foundation Diaspora in Action for Human Rights and Democracy (DAHRD) is a diaspora-led non-profit working at the intersection of EU policy, international advocacy, and developments in India. DAHRD focuses on the decline of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights in India, with particular attention to minority and marginalised communities, including religious minorities, Indigenous peoples, women, and children. The organisation monitors systemic risks such as shrinking civic space, misuse of counter-terrorism laws, and online hate and disinformation, including the role of digital platforms and AI in amplifying harm. DAHRD engages with EU institutions to advocate for the protection of human rights defenders, platform accountability, and rights-based digital regulation. It also works to ensure that human rights, labour, and environmental standards are integrated into EU external action, including the EU–India Free Trade Agreement.
EU Legislative Interests
DAHRD is actively involved in processes and activities impacting EU-India relations, human rights, and digital rights of people in Europe, and in India. These include: External relations Foreign affairs and security policy Humanitarian aid and civil protection International co-operation and development Justice and fundamental rights Trade EP own initiative reports Digital Services Act Political advertising EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) EU-India Human Rights Dialogue Human Rights in Foreign Policy Freedom of Religion or Belief and Protection of Minorities
Communication Activities
Throughout the reporting period DAHRD provided policy briefings and recommendations to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), EEAS, and Commission officials on DSA enforcement, AI governance, and EU–India relations, including trade, gender equality, and human rights safeguards. DAHRD submitted evidence to the European Commission under Article 35(2) of the Digital Services Act on systemic risks related to hate speech, disinformation, and cross-border harms in 2024 and 2025. Throughout the reporting period DAHRD contributed to joint advocacy efforts with EU-based civil society organisations, including within thematic coalitions focusing on platform accountability, disinformation, and protection of fundamental rights. Within the reporting period DAHRD produced and circulated briefings, policy papers, dossiers, and factsheets to EU institutions, including: Policy paper to the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) on the designation of India as a “safe country of origin”; Thematic briefings on human rights defenders, minority rights, and developments in Bastar and Manipur region of India; Policy materials on digital repression, online hate speech, and systemic risks under the Digital Services Act; A factsheet on women’s participation in decision-making in the context of EU–India Free Trade Agreement negotiations, highlighting structural inequalities and the need for gender-responsive trade policy. January–March: Engagement with MEPs including Francisco Assis, Mounir Satouri, Tilly Metz, and Delara Burkhardt on human rights defenders, Indigenous rights, gender equality, and digital repression. May: Participation in consultation with DG CONNECT on Digital Services Act systemic risks and platform accountability. June: Engagement with DG INTPA on protection of human rights defenders and EU external action tools. June–July: Participation in EU civil society exchanges on the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), including contributions on human rights, labour rights, Indigenous rights, and gender equality. September: Meetings with MEPs Kim van Sparrentak and Markéta Gregorová on digital rights, DSA enforcement, and cross-border harms affecting diaspora communities. November: Meeting with the office of MEP Angelika Niebler (Chair, Delegation for Relations with India) on EU–India relations, women's rights, trade, and civic space. Within the reporting reporting period we Continued engagement with EEAS officials including Ognian Karastamatov, Viktor Velek, Roshan Lyman, Daniel Clauss, Lorenzo Parrulli, and Marta Szilágyi on EU–India Human Rights Dialogue priorities.
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
People vs Big Tech Network; Global Alliance against Digital Hate and Extremism; Global Coalition for Tech Justice, DSA Alliance
Organisation Members
N/A
Additional Information
DAHRD maintains complete independence in its work, and does not represent or is represented by the donors supporting its functioning. The Management and Supervisory Board of DAHRD is comprised of academics and professionals having deep-ties to India and a progressive vision for human rights and inclusive societies.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.