Caste discrimination and untouchability

A central feature of caste discrimination is the so-called “untouchability practices”. It stems from the notion that different caste groups have varying degrees of purity and pollution, with Dalits and other caste-affected groups being so impure that they can pollute other groups. 

Paradoxically, sexual abuse and rape against Dalit women is not considered polluting to men from dominant castes. 

If Dalits and other caste-affected groups challenge the untouchability practices, they often face violent sanctions and social boycott. Massive violation of human rights occur in relation to untouchability practices and other forms of caste-based discrimination.  

Common untouchability practices:

• Segregation in housing, schools and cremation grounds

• De facto prohibition of inter-caste marriage

• Limitation or prohibition of access to public places such as roads, temples and tea houses

• Denial or limitation of access to public services such as water taps, health care and education

• Restrictions on occupation; assignment of the most menial, dirty and dangerous jobs as defined by the caste hierarchy

• De facto prohibition of access to and ownership of land

The effect of untouchability practices and indeed the sexual abuse of "untouchable" women is that Dalits and other "untouchable" groups are kept powerless, separate and unequal. 

> Find out how these untouchability practices also constitute human rights violations