Dalits and equal political participation
- Dalit villagers cannot cross this road in their village because of caste inequalities. Bihar, India. Photo: Jakob Carlsen.
The Dalits, also known as “untouchables”, are often limited from equal and meaningful political participation due to the persistence of discriminatory practices and their weak economic, social and political position in caste-affected countries such as India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Dalit women are particularly vulnerable and marginalised as they suffer from multiple discrimination – as women, as poor and as Dalits.
While some governments have enacted constitutional safeguards and affirmative action to promote equal access and opportunities, e.g. reservation policies in public sector employment, implementation of such laws and programmes remains weak and insufficient.
Some governments have yet to introduce legislative measures, while others are in the process of establishing systems of proportionate representation in the restructuring of the state.
Database
IDSN has created an extensive database on caste-based discrimination.
Click here for all documents on political participation >>
Other resources
Equal political participation (draft UN principles and guidelines)
Building on existing principles of international human rights law, the draft UN principles and guidelines for the effective elimination of discrimination based on work and descent proposes specific measures to be taken by governments to enhance Dalits' access to justice and equal political participation.
IDSN recommends that the draft UN principles and guidelines may be used as a guiding framework for governments, international institutions, UN expert mechanisms and private actors that seek to comprehensively address issues pertaining to this entrenched form of discrimination.
International human rights obligations on caste discrimination
International human rights instruments create binding obligations on governments to ensure non-discrimination for all in the fulfillment of civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights.
> Click here to read about the international obligations of governments to ensure non-discrimination
Action-oriented recommendations
In order to meet their international obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of Dalits, caste-affected governments should take appropriate measures to prevent and address situations of impunity, non-equality, discrimination, and lack of access to civil and political rights.
> Read the action-oriented recommendations to ensure Dalits' access to equal political participation
UN Forum on Minority Issues
The focus of the second thematic session of the UN Forum on Minority Issues, held in Geneva on 12-13 November 2009, was on ”minorities and effective political participation”. Dalit activists participated in the Forum to highlight the situation of Dalits' obstacles to access to equal political participation, especially Dalit women.
IDSN prepared a briefing note and recommendations on Dalits' access to equal political participation for the UN Forum on Minority Issues.
Videos - Caste Discrimination and Political Participation
Below are a selection of videos dealing with caste discrimination and political participation. Visit IDSNs YouTube Channel for more videos on other themes/countries.
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