Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) hosted a delegation of activists for India's Dalit (formerly 'untouchable') people from 19-28 March, to raise the issue of caste-based slavery faced by millions of Dalits, in numerous forums in London and Brussels. While in the UK, the delegation briefed MPs, Peers, Foreign Office officials and the Archbishop of Canterbury. In Brussels, they held meetings with MEPs and officials at the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.

The delegation, comprising Dr Joseph D'souza, Dr Kancha Ilaiah, Indira Athawale and Moses Parmar, also gave evidence before the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, in its first hearing on the Dalits in India. In addition, they met Lord Alton of Liverpool, prior to his asking a question in the House of Lords on the human rights situation of Dalits.

As part of their visit, the delegation spoke at the West End premiere of 'India's Hidden Slavery', a documentary film by Michael Lawson, in association with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) and the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN), which exposes the plight of the 250 million-strong Dalit and tribal communities in India.

As the UK commemorated 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire through the passage of a bill brought by William Wilberforce, the delegation was raising the issues of caste-based discrimination, oppression and exploitation in India in terms of modern-day slavery. They called particularly for India to be strongly encouraged to properly implement laws designed to protect and support Dalits.

Dr Joseph D'souza, President of the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN), said, "Wilberforce himself condemned the caste system in India, and its continued existence represents unfinished business for all who care about human rights and slavery. The caste system is very much alive, and it condemns millions to slavery, exploitation, dehumanisation and abject hopelessness. We are glad to have had this opportunity to raise our grave concerns in the UK, and to call for change."

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, said, "This is an enormously significant issue and one which must be brought to the attention of the world. We urge the Indian government to bring an end to the highly discriminatory practices of caste-based discrimination and the dreadful exploitation associated with the caste system."

NOTES TO EDITORS

The text of a question on Dalits in India, asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool in the House of Lords on 26 March, is found at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200607/ldhansrd/text/70326-0001.htm#0703266000009

The text of the sermon delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the national service to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, held at Westminster Abbey on 27 March, is found at:
http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/sermons_speeches/070327.htm

The text of the evidence presented before the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission (CPHRC) on 28 March will shortly be available at: http://www.conservativehumanrights.com/

CSW hosted the launch of 'India's Hidden Slavery' in the Vue West End cinema on 27 March (see http://www.csw.org.uk/latestnews/article.php?id=609)

The delegation comprised:

Dr Joseph D'souza: Dr D'souza is the International President of the Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) and President of the All India Christian Council (AICC). He is an eloquent analyst of the issues concerned with caste discrimination in India and is quickly emerging both within India and internationally as one the most prominent campaigners for the end of caste practice and the emancipation of Dalits in India and overseas, having presented evidence in the US, UK and at the United Nations.

Dr Kancha Ilaiah: Dr Ilaiah is Professor of Political Science at Osmania University, Hyderabad. He is a well-known and well-respected campaigner against caste-based discrimination and the oppression and exploitation of Dalits and 'low' castes. Since writing his most acclaimed book, Why I Am Not A Hindu, he has also taken up a nation-wide campaign for the right to religion.

Indira Athawale: Ms Athawale is a prominent activist for Dalit women's rights and has presented evidence to the US Congress on the oppression of Dalit women. She is the Maharastra State President of the All India Confederation of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Organizations, a tutor in two colleges affiliate to the University of Pune and the National President of the Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar Students' Association, a college and university level organisation that brings together 'low' caste students.

Moses Parmar: Mr Parmar is the North India Director of Operation Mercy Charitable Company. A Dalit from Gujarat state, he leads a team of over 1000 people engaged in humanitarian and charitable work across North India, including 23 schools which primarily serve Dalit children, seminars for women on empowerment and legal rights, and dozens of micro-enterprise initiatives.