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(Press Statement NCDHR, 10-10-2013)

National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights

Press Statement on

European Parliament Resolution on Caste Based Discrimination


The practice of untouchability of the caste system and the related caste based discrimination in various forms (CBD) is still rampant and remains as one of the main human rights concerns in India. Although India has an impressive range of constitutional provisions and laws that ban caste discrimination and untouchability, the lack of implementation remains a chronic problem. Therefore, the Government of India needs to take effective measures to prevent and address violations stemming from caste discrimination. More indepth debate in state institutions and civil society is needed on how to tackle the issue of lack of implementation in political, civil society and also among media spheres.

In this context, it is very welcoming that European Parliament (EP) has adopted a resolution which exclusively addresses the issue of Caste Based Discrimination (CBD) in India and other South Asian Countries. A strong worded resolution was tabled on 10 October 2013 and it was adopted with an overwhelming majority in the EP. This resolution recognizes the presence of CBD globally and points out series of issues related to caste discrimination as well as various forms of caste related violence against Dalits, especially against Dalit Women. The Parliament reiterated its serious concern about the violence perpetrated against Dalit women from its resolutions of 13 December 2012 on caste discrimination in India, of 17 January 2013 on violence against women in India, of 1 February 2007 on the Human Rights Situation of the Dalits in India and of 18 April 2012 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World.

Other major issues highlighted by the resolution were the presence of caste based discrimination even in the labour market and also in the private sector which adds to exclusion and growing inequalities and how there should be strong legislations and policy measures to counter such issues. Lack of implementation of caste prohibiting legislation in caste affected countries was taken up as a serious concern in the resolution. India also faces this as the biggest challenge and the Government of India needs to take effective measures to address impunity of the state.

The European Parliament urges the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and also other States Parties affected by the Caste system “to mainstream the fight against caste-based discrimination in legislation, policies and programming documents and to adopt operational guidelines for its implementation; and to enhance monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in order to assess effectively the impact of EU action on the situation of people affected by this form of discrimination”. The EU Development Committee also specially emphasises “to develop and apply caste-sensitive approaches in times of humanitarian crisis and ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to all marginalised groups, including people suffering from caste-based discrimination”.

Welcoming the EU resolution on behalf of the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, the leaders of the NCDHR are of the view that the resolution is significant for a number of reasons. “It encourages the EU itself, as an important global stakeholder in upholding human rights, to engage with many of the countries in South Asia and Africa where caste discrimination is prevalent. The resolution will help the EU strengthen its development cooperation and human rights dialogue with these countries, so it could address the issue effectively. We support all countries to work together to develop a world free of caste discrimination.”



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