Introduction: MDNF was formally established on 14 June 2012. It is an umbrella organization of 145 Dalit NGOs/CSOs from all 21 districts of Terai/Madhesh to raise collective voices of Madheshi Dalit community to ensure their right, dignity and opportunity through policy influence, networking/alliance building and empowerment. Upholding human right culture and democratic norms/values are the basic principles of MDNF. Registered with District Administration Office (DAO) in Kathmandu and affiliated with Social Welfare Council (SWC), MDNF is an independent and autonomous organization governed by a central executive committee of nine
members for three-year term elected through a democratic process. MDNF provides technical supports to its member organizations (MOS) and other Dalit related NGOs in capacity building, coordination, empowerment, alliance building and resource mobilization etc. MDNF supports its MOS to promote right based approach (RBA), access to justice, quality services, coordination, fosters collaboration with government and international organizations including development partners. MDNF jointly with its MOS and wider CSOs/NGOs/networks advocates to protect and promote human rights in line with international human rights laws and practices. It supports the MOs and wider CSOs to follow RBA through participatory planning, inclusion, transparency and accountability to deliver quality services to right holders.