Abirami Jotheeswaran, General Secretary of All India Dalit Women Adhikar Manch (AIDMAM-NCDHR), delivered a compelling presentation to 20 European Union diplomats stationed in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting caste discrimination and its intersections with other forms of inequality and human rights violations.

The session formed part of a civil society EU and Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN) initiative on “Combating discrimination: from policy to action in different regional contexts” on 19 November, and provided a look at the historical and cultural roots of caste-based discrimination in South Asia and where to be aware of the intersections with human rights violations. Ms. Jotheeswaran explained how the practice has evolved into a rigid cultural and social norm, making eradication efforts exceedingly challenging and the need for awareness of the issues critical.

Ms. Jotheeswaran underscored the compounded marginalisation faced by individuals who are affected not only by caste discrimination but also by poverty, gender inequality and other markers of marginalisation. She highlighted the difficulties Dalits encounter when claiming their rights, often facing resistance and social or violent backlash from dominant caste groups, despite constitutional protections and legal safeguards being in place.

Recommendations for EU officials

In her training, Ms. Jotheeswaran outlined a series of recommendations for the EU to strengthen its advocacy and policy interventions regarding caste discrimination in South Asia. Among her key proposals were:

• The design and implementation of special measures or affirmative actions specifically tailored for Dalits in South Asia.
• Enhanced support for Dalit human rights defenders in their efforts to advocate for the effective enforcement of legislation.
• Pressure on South Asian states to adopt anti-discrimination laws that protect Dalits and other marginalised communities, alongside the creation of affirmative policies with dedicated funding.
• International mechanisms to foster shared discourse and knowledge-sharing platforms, promoting collaborative advocacy against modern slavery and related practices.

By strengthening international partnerships and advocating for robust legal protections, the EU can play a pivotal role in dismantling caste-based hierarchies and fostering inclusivity in South Asia. The crucial inclusion of Dalit voices, such as Ms. Jotheeswaran’s, ensures that the conversation remains rooted in the lived realities of those most affected by these systemic injustices. We hope the training will enhance the work of the EU in South Asia.