UN RIGHTS EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION

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From: UNNews <UNNews@un.org>
Date: 24 May 2013 11:00:01 -0400
Subject: UN RIGHTS EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF
CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION
To: news11@ny-mail-p-lb-028.ptc.un.org

UN RIGHTS EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF
CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATIONNew York, May 24 2013 11:00AMMore than 260
million people across the world are still victims of human rights
abuses due to caste-based discrimination, United Nations independent
experts warned today, urging South Asian countries to strengthen
legislation to protect them.

"Caste-based discrimination remains widespread and deeply rooted, its
victims face structural discrimination, marginalization and systematic
exclusion, and the level of impunity is very high," the group of
experts <"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13352&amp;LangID=E">said.
"This form of discrimination entails gross and wide-ranging human
rights abuses – including brutal forms of violence."

People who are considered of low caste in South Asia are known as
'Dalits' or 'untouchables.' In many countries, they face
marginalization, social and economic exclusion, segregation in
housing, limited access to basic services including water and
sanitation and employment, and work in conditions similar to slavery.

The experts said that Dalit women and girls are particularly
vulnerable and face multiple forms of discrimination and violence,
including sexual abuse. Children are also at high risk of being sold
and sexually exploited.

Two years ago, Nepal adopted the 'Caste-based Discrimination and
Untouchability Bill', a landmark law that protects the rights of
Dalits. More recently, the British Government decided in April that
the Equality Act would cover caste discrimination to protect Dalits in
diaspora communities.

While these are positive steps to eliminate caste-based
discrimination, the experts expressed concern about a serious lack of
implementation in countries where legislation already exists, and
called for the effective application of laws, policies and programmes
protecting those affected by this type of discrimination.

"We urge other caste-affected States to adopt legislation to prevent
caste-based discrimination and violence and punish perpetrators of
such crimes, and call on world governments to endorse and implement
the <"http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session11/A-HRC-11-CRP3.pdf">UN
Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Effective Elimination of
Discrimination Based on Work and Descent," the experts said.

"Political leadership, targeted action and adequate resources should
be devoted to resolving the long-standing problems, discrimination and
exclusion faced by Dalits and similarly affected communities in the
world."

The experts also expressed their hope that the post-2015 development
agenda will include specific goals for the advancement of Dalits,
stressing that caste-based discrimination is a major structural factor
underlying poverty.

"Their specific needs require tailored action to lift them out of
poverty and close the inequality gap between them and the rest of
society," they said. "No one should be stigmatized; no one should be
considered 'untouchable'."

Among the experts voicing their concerns include those dealing with
minority issues; violence against women; contemporary forms of
slavery; and racism. Independent experts are appointed by the
Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council and work in an unpaid capacity.
May 24 2013 11:00AM
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