UK

Introduction

Although caste based discrimination is most common in South Asia, this form of discrimination is also widespread in the UK. Evidence has been found that South Asian who have relocated to the UK, tend to bring the caste system, and inherent discrimination, with them when they move. Caste discrimination is therefore reproduced within South Asian communities in the UK.

It has been estimated that there are at least 250.000 Dalits living in the UK. The exact figure, however, is unknown due to issues concerning identification as a ‘Dalit’, lack of detailed research and the absence of caste data in the census.

While culture-specific menial occupations, such as for example manual scavenging, are not known to be pursued by Dalits in the UK, the ‘untouchability mindset’ persists and UK based Dalits are victims of several forms of direct and indirect discrimination. Dalits and lower castes in the UK are subjected to discrimination in education (in the form of pupil-on-pupil bullying) in the workplace and in the supply of goods and services (such as healthcare and in treatment in shops). Furthermore, caste based discrimination occurs in worship, religion and politics. The more direct forms of discrimination manifests itself in incidents of violence and public harassment.

Despite comprehensive studies confirming the existence of caste based discrimination (see below) there is so far no legislation prohibiting this form of discrimination in the UK. Although action has been taken from the part of the UK Government to outlaw caste discrimination, the final decision is still pending.

Recommendations

Global Call Recommendation to End Caste Discrimination in the United Kingdom

Relevant links and documents:

DSN-UK

Caste Watch UK