GalleryUK moves closer to ban on caste discrimination
In a historic move, the House of Lords has paved the way for legislation that will make caste-based discrimination illegal in the UK. Such a ban would also serve as an example to other countries.
GalleryCaste discrimination – a UN priority in 2010-2011
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has made caste discrimination one of the thematic priorities in its struggle against discrimination and impunity in 2010-2011.
Nepal: Dalit girl murdered – risk of poor investigation
An eight-year old Dalit girl in Nepal may have been the victim of a sacrificial murder because of her caste status. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is concerned that the local authorities may not do enough to investigate the crime.
GalleryNepal urged to address constitutional gaps
A new report provides Nepal’s Constituent Assembly (CA) with a clear roadmap for ensuring the rights of all Nepalese people, including the country’s sizeable Dalit population.
HRW praises Nepal’s support for caste guidelines
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has given due credit to the Government of Nepal for its endorsement of the draft UN principles and guidelines to eliminate caste discrimination. India, on the other hand, is criticised.
Gallery’Untouchability’ still rife in modern India
A ground-breaking study on caste discrimination in the Indian state of Gujarat shows that the practice of ‘untouchability’ is still prevalent. The report also makes clear that the Indian legal system is failing to address the issue.
GalleryCaste systems obstruct South Asian education
A new UN report finds that India is still home to the world’s largest illiterate population. The report states that caste systems in South Asia have a negative effect on education opportunities.
GalleryHomeless suffer in India’s freezing winter
A cold spell in the north of India has cost hundreds of lives among homeless people. A significant number are believed to be Dalits.
GalleryDutch poll: Government and private sector should tackle caste discrimination
A new opinion poll shows an increase in awareness of caste discrimination as a serious human rights issue among the population of the Netherlands.
GalleryA Dalit view on climate change
Three Dalit women from Andhra Pradesh took part in a protest outside the conference area of the UN climate talks by ceremonially burning their conference badges. They felt that their voices had not been heard in the COP15 process.