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MEPs question EU policy on caste issue
A discussion in the European Parliament’s Development Committee has highlighted the need for an EU policy on caste discrimination. MEPs believe that this human serious rights problem warrants EU priority action and are preparing a resolution on the issue.
Yemen's Al-Akhdam face brutal oppression
In a joint submission to the UN’s UPR mechanism, the All Youth Network in Yemen and IDSN provide an alternative report on the precarious human rights conditions of the Al-Akhdam people and urge the Government of Yemen to address their situation.
Dharmapuri: The tragic death of Ilavarasan
Ilavarasan, the young Dalit man who fell in love with a woman from a ‘higher caste’, was found dead near a railway track in Dharmapuri on 4 July. His tragic demise was widely covered by the Indian media. Ilavarasan’s inter-caste relationship with Divya, a woman from the Vanniyar community, triggered the anti-Dalit riots in Dharmapuri in November 2012. Whether his untimely death was caused by suicide or murder, there is little doubt that societal and political intolerance towards inter-caste marriages involving Dalits cost him his life.
UK: Concerns over caste legislation delay
Human rights campaigners – including the Dalit Solidarity Network UK – are accusing the British government of trying to scrap recently adopted anti-caste discrimination legislation. DSN-UK has expressed concern that the government is being influenced by an anti-legislation lobby consisting of Hindu groups. Anti-caste discrimination reforms blocked, say critics (Guardian); Caste discrimination law faces appalling delays (BBC); Grant is “procrastinating” over caste law (Public Service); Tory ministers accused of reneging on pledge to end caste discrimination (Independent)
Nepal: Two Dalits attacked as mob cheers
The National Human Rights Commission in Nepal has expressed serious concern over a brutal attack on a young Dalit woman and a male Dalit activist in Morang District. Maya Sarki and Manoj Bishwakarma were assaulted by an angry mob who smeared soot on their faces and beat them up. Media reports: 'Police to blame for Belbari incident'; No country for Dalit woman; NHRC expresses concern over attack on Dalit woman; Outraged!; Six arrested for assaulting Dalit duo; Compensate Dalit woman, NGOs say
Dalit women need economic empowerment
Violence against Dalit women in Nepal will continue as long as they are not economically empowered, states an upcoming report from the Feminist Dalit Organization (FEDO). The report is based on an extensive survey conducted in 16 districts. The project's team leader, Hira Bishwakarma, told Repùblica that Dalit women “are at the receiving end of violence, whether domestic or social, for two reasons: they are treated as the second sex and belong to the most oppressed social group.” Related article: Women suffer from four levels of discrimination
Little help for Dalit acid attack survivor
Chanchal Kumari, the young Dalit woman severely injured in a horrifying acid attack by four dominant caste men last October, has received very little aid from the government since then. In an interview she says that “neither the police nor the government seems serious in pushing my case.” You can donate towards her medical and legal expenses through the organisation Video Volunteers.
Report: Seed company tolerates child labour
A new report from the India Committee of the Netherlands compares two seed companies operating in India and supplying the Dutch market. One company tolerates widespread use of child labour by its suppliers, the other company works almost without child labourers younger than 14. Half of the seed workers are either Dalits or Adivasi.
More news headlines:
India: No exits from these tunnels of death; Society indifferent to workers who perish in India’s death holes; The plight of Dalit women: Why it’s time to end the caste system; Stalin K: A criminal state of affairs; No caste-based rallies in Uttar Pradesh; Protection of Dalits; Dalit entrepreneurs fight prejucides; Student beaten to death by classmates; Gang-raped Dalit girl commits suicide; Dalit woman axed to death after rape in Haryana; Of every 100 held in Haryana for crimes against Dalits, 92 walk free; Female Dalit rickshaw driver arrested for filing complaint; Marriage halls warned over caste discrimination; The Dalit Panther’s first leap; India has 40 per cent of world's malnourished
Nepal: Dalits, non-Dalits work together to wipe out caste discrimination; Minorities to fight for more rights in new constitution; Dalit students ‘discriminated’
Pakistan: Christians angered by 'sweeper' comment
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