IDSN urges UN to be caste-inclusive
The theme of this year’s United Nations Human Rights day - inclusion and the right to participate in public life - is particularly relevant to the issue of caste discrimination. Much more needs to be done to ensure that the rights of Dalits and similarly marginalised groups are fully respected.
Dalits march against manual scavenging
A national march – the Maila Mukti Yatra - will cross India with a call for the total eradication of ‘the slavery of manual scavenging’. It happens at a time when prominent campaigners have expressed scepticism towards new legislation against this banned, but continuing, practice.
Minister promises amendments to PoA Act
Thousands of Dalits and Adivasis gathered in Delhi on Friday to demand amendments to the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The government may bring in these amendments early next year.
Mob burns hundreds of Dalit homes
Approximately 1,000 non-Dalits launched a coordinated attack on three Dalit settlements in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, on 7 November. Hundreds of houses were burnt and looted – ostensibly because of an inter-caste marriage.
UN states strongly concerned about minority rights in Pakistan
When Pakistan was reviewed by the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism on 30 October, many states expressed concern about the human rights situation of religious minorities, including scheduled castes.
Huge Dalit rally planned for November
A coalition of 150 Indian NGOs is demanding amendments to - and proper implementation of - the laws that are supposed to protect Dalits and Adivasis from atrocities. The campaign is gathering momentum.
UN review of Pakistan: Urgent protection needed for minorities
Press Release (23 October 2012). The Government of Pakistan has failed to honour the commitments it made at the UN review of its human rights record four years ago. International NGOs are urging states to recommend it to ensure full protection of minorities, including Dalits and other marginalised groups.
Joint UPR submission on Dalit rights in Bangladesh
In a newly released report, the Government of Bangladesh is called upon to enact a law against untouchability practices, and implement a national action plan to comprehensively address discrimination based on work and descent against Dalits and other excluded groups.
UN experts call for end to caste-based stigma and slavery
IDSN press release: UN officials and Dalit activists called on states to address the stigma and exclusion caused by caste discrimination at a side event during the 21st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Employers of manual scavengers to face prison
The Indian government is ready to introduce new legislation to end manual scavenging. The proposed bill includes tough penalties for those who continue to employ people as scavengers.