Foundation of any institution or organization lies on its strategic direction which proves its rationale for establishment, strategic intervention and possible outcome of its functions. It builds essential transparency of the organizational intentions in a systematic way so as to achieve the vision, mission, goal and objectives of the organization. The architectural principles designed in strategic plan can give sustainability and longevity that leads to success. Asia Dalits Rights Forum (ADRF) is a regional platform, functioning as a collective movement of Dalit rights protagonists. As a right based organization, it includes Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka in South Asia.  ADRF advocates for the rights of Dalit and communities discriminated based on work and descent (CDWD); standing as the sole platform at the Asian level to amplify the voices of over 220 million individuals affected by caste, work and descent-based discrimination in all domains of their lives. It intends to make the invisible Dalits & CDWD communities visible not only in Asia but also globally. With these global vision and mission, ADRF has designed strategic plan aiming to build a strong network of Dalits and CDWD organizations in Asia particularly in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and to function effectively for the social cause of Dalit.
ADRF envisions an egalitarian and just society, free from discrimination based on caste, work, and descent, and ensuring rights and dignity for all regarding development and progress in all aspects of life. The major goals of ADRF are to protect and promote human rights justice, political participation and equal opportunities for Dalits and all communities discriminated on the basis of caste, work, and descent in Asia through advocacy and networking at national, regional, UN and other international levels. To fulfil these ends, this strategic plan remains instrumental and paves the foundational milestone of the organization. Hence, constructive feedbacks, and advices are welcomed from both individual or institutional side working to this end at any corner of the world.
Next 3-5 years, ADRF focuses on access to justice, gender and youths, business and human rights, climate justice and DRR, strengthening Dalits and CDWD rights movements in Asia, participation in political and democratic process and few cross-cutting issues strategically. ADRF seeks support and solidarity from the Asian governments, human rights institutions, UN agencies, donors and partners, CSOs, human rights communities and the communities in achieving the mission of organization.
Finally, we want to thank DCA-Nepal, ADRF board, members and experts for their invaluable support for developing the strategic plan and designing it in the form of an important official document of the organization.