Dalit Freedom Network praises
resolution which highlights ongoing atrocities
against India’s Dalits
Greenwood Village, CO - February
4, 2007 - The Dalit Freedom Network commends
the passage this past week of a resolution advanced
by the Development Committee of the European
Union Parliament dealing with untouchability
in India. The resolution describes laws protecting
Dalits as “grossly inadequateâ€
and highlights the ongoing atrocities facing
Dalits, including child labor, manual scavenging,
illiteracy, violence, and landlessness.
“This resolution is an important
step in encouraging EU nations and the world
to engage with India on the inhuman persecution
facing Dalits across India,â€
said Joseph D’souza,
International President of the Dalit Freedom
Network. “EU members and allies
should follow this resolution with concrete
steps, including engaging India on untouchability
and ensuring the Dalits benefit from direct
aid from the World Bank, IMF, and other development
organizations.â€
The EU resolution follows several recent high-profile
attacks on Dalits, including the September 30,
2006, rape and killing of Dalit Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange’s
wife and children in response to his pro-Dalit
activism.
D’souza continued, “We
hope the United States Congress and individual
European parliaments can follow this resolution
with similar legislation. Ending Caste discrimination,
like ending Apartheid, will require help from
the international community.â€
The Dalit Freedom Network (www.dalitnetwork.org)
is a Denver, CO-based non-profit with offices
in Washington, DC, London, and Hyderabad, India.
The Dalit Freedom Network partners with the
All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations
and the All India Christian Council to support
Dalits in their emancipation movement through
education, health care, economic development,
and human right advocacy.
More information is available at the Dalit Freedom
Network website: www.dalitnetwork.org
In association with OM
India/A.I.C.C./SC-ST Federations
