European Parliament
The European Parliament has addressed caste-based discrimination in some of its activities, including in the Development Committee; and with the adoption of resolution B6‑0021/2007 on the Human Rights situation of Dalits in India.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) issued a Joint Letter on the EU-India Summit to the President of the European Council, President of the
European Commission, and High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy urging them to address caste discrimination directly in the EU-India Summit. MEPs furtmermore asked several questions regarding caste discrimination.
In February 2011, a hearing on Caste Discrimination in South Asia was jointly organised by the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Committee on Development, Delegation for relations with India and the Delegation for relations with South Asia. MEPs called for action on this issue - more information can be found in the report on the hearing. You can also read the IDSN press release from the hearing and press releases and an opinion piece on caste discrimination by MEPs.
The recommendations of the European Parliament need to be followed up in order to ensure that EU adopts necessary measures on caste discrimination in its cooperation with India.
The European Parliament itself can also enhance its efforts and ensure that all relevant activities and communications address the issue of caste-based discrimination. Relevant commitees and delegations include the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), the Development Committee (DEVE), the Sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the Delegation for relations with India. The issue should also be addressed in connection with other activities and communications related to the promotion of democracy, human rights and development in caste-affected countries.
MEPs are encouraged to start a dialogue on the issue, including on what measures should be taken to eliminate caste discrimination, in the exchange of views with parliamentary counterparts and government officials from caste-affected countries. Members of the above-mentioned committees and delegations are particularly relevant in this regard.
IDSN also recommends MEPs to meet with representatives from caste-affected communities during every parliamentary visit to caste-affected countries, and in general to promote awareness on the human rights obligations of caste-affected states.
Futher information:
EP resolution on Report on Human Rights (2011): The the European Parliament resolution on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2011, highlights caste discrimination and, “Recommends initiatives for EU legislation to ensure that attention is paid in EU human rights policy and cooperation instruments to eliminating caste discrimination, and action in caste-affected countries, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Yemen.”
