Ms. Sooka gave an overview of the context of her work dealing with violations amounting to crimes against humanity, and focused on the fact that in all contexts women and girls have had to bear the brunt of the violence and crimes, particularly those of a sexual nature. She then discussed how historical patterns of exclusion, racism and nationalist violence can create divisions so deep that reconciliation seems impossible. She stressed that transitional justice can contribute to national reconciliation and sustainable peace for minority communities. She emphasised the four pillars underpinning transitional justice including the right to truth at both an individual and societal level, the right to justice, the right to reparations and the guarantee of non-recurrence. Moreover, she focused on the importance of truth commissions in providing minority communities with the opportunity to uncover the facts about the violence and crimes committed and to identify those who bear responsibility at both an individual and structural level. She then focused on the fact that dealing with the root causes of the conflict includes tackling the underlying structural questions, including examining the conduct of State institutions, particularly the security forces and the judiciary. She stressed that reconciliation is a necessary process through which a society moves from a divided past to a shared future. She discussed how reconciliation encompasses the search for truth and justice and requires former enemies to find ways of co-existing side by side. She concluded by highlighting that reconciliation is both a process and a goal but it should never be an excuse for impunity. Program Director of Evidence/ International Dalit Solidarity Network, India, Ms. Thilagam Ramalingam Ms. Ramalingam focused on the situation of Dalit women in India and discussed how they face extreme violence and multiple forms of discrimination due to being considered at the bottom of the caste system. She underlined that the caste system is inherently violent in nature and victimises Dalit women because of a combination of caste, class and gender. She discussed how violence against Dalit women is most commonly used as a means of punishment and demonstration of power towards both women and their community. She described how this violence often takes the form of trafficking and forced labour. She stressed that violence is perpetuated against Dalit women in public and private spheres by the family, community and State actors. She described how Dalit women and girls who challenge caste hierarchies or stand up for their rights are frequently targeted with violent retaliation despite constitutional safeguards and protection mechanisms. She outlined that caste discrimination continues to be a social evil experienced by women every day that has several covert and violent forms. She called for the effective implementation of laws to prevent these atrocities and to challenge the deep-rooted discriminatory attitudes that underpin the caste system and subordination of women. She concluded by stressing that every actor should take immediate measures to ensure security and justice of Dalit women. Co-founder and trustee of the Liberation War Museum, Bangladesh, Mr. Mofidul Hoque 18