Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, is today hosting a hearing and photo exhibition on caste discrimination in South Asia to push for international action to help those worst affected by the system. The event is taking place in the European Parliament in Brussels and has been organized in collaboration with the International Dalit Solidarity Network.
Last year, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to urge the European Commission to develop a strategy for improving the lives of the Dalits in India. The Dalits form the social group at the bottom of the hierarchical caste system and as such they are perceived to be ‘impure’ and ‘polluting’ to other caste groups, being forced into poverty, life in slums and work in the poorest conditions. They are also subject to a higher level of violence and abuse.
Caste discrimination is also a major problem in the rest of South Asia, as well as in many other parts of the world.
Jean Lambert MEP, who is a member of the Delegation on Relations with South Asia, said:
"We must show much more support to the struggle against caste discrimination. This requires action at all political levels in the EU and in the countries concerned."
Jean Lambert is sponsoring a brand new photo exhibition entitled "We are not untouchable – 260 million reasons why Europe should act". The photographs, taken by award-winning Danish photographer, Jakob Carlsen, depict Dalits living in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and are on display in the European Parliament from 3-5 June.
While the plight of Dalits in India is fairly well documented, the situation of Dalits or "scheduled castes" in Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan is much less well known. New research, which spells out the socio-economic situation of Dalits as well as the human rights violations committed against them, is also being launched today. Such information seldom ever reaches the agendas of EU officials.
"I reject the idea that some human beings are considered "impure" or "polluted" just because they were born into a certain caste. Everyone is entitled to basic human rights", Jean Lambert continued. "In the 21st century, no human being should be considered "untouchable".
The International Dalit Solidarity Network is based in Copenhagen, but with members and international associates worldwide, they work on a global level to eliminate caste discrimination.
For a view of the exhibition online, go to www.idsn.org/wearenotuntouchable