UK Law Favors Anti-Caste Discrimination

The United Kingdom is estimated to house more than 400,000 Dalits, also known as “untouchables.” These people will soon benefit from the passing of an anti-caste discrimination law that gives them equal protection and rights offered any other citizen of the country. This is considered to be the first time that such a legal move is instituted in a country outside of Asia.

The proposed amendment by the House of Lords last March was initially rejected. The reason for the rejection was based on a notion that the issue is best dealt with through an education program within the Hindu communities. However, the reasoning behind the decision was somehow lacking in content, and this eventually led to the reversal of the decision last April.

Something to rejoice about

Fighting caste discrimination has been a long time goal of various organizations concerned about the continuing inequality these people, the Dalits, are experiencing. Anti caste discrimination supporters were overjoyed after hearing the wonderful news. Ravi Kumar, General Secretary of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Alliance commented that the legislation will now pave the way for a number of societal improvements. He also added that this would be the start complete elimination of this type of discrimination in the United Kingdom.

Dalits exposed

For countless years the Dalits have experienced discrimination in all forms not just in the Indian subcontinent but in other countries as well. The victims of discrimination often have to defend themselves against societal exclusion, marginalization and even violence. It has been noted that more than 260 million people across the globe are continually experiencing human rights violations for merely being categorized as a Dalit.

“Dalit” is the name given for those people belonging to the low caste in Asia. A Dalit is also called an “untouchable.” The term was derived from the belief that these people possess characteristics making them undesirable. In some countries, the practice of exclusion of the Dalit has already been banned.

The fight against discrimination

Caste discrimination remains a dominant practice in other nations. Even though legislation was passed for the protection of Dalits, implementation is still far from being perfectly executed. According to some experts, policies have to be tightened and the application of the law has to be closely monitored. There also has to be various programs that teach the importance of providing equal protection to every citizen no matter what social class they belong.

The fact remains that there is continued segregation from the community when it comes to people belonging to the minority group. Caste discrimination is evident in employment where workers are made to endure certain conditions. They are given limited access to vital services such as water and sanitation privileges. According to experts, Dalits, particularly their women are more prone to discrimination and violence. It was also stressed that Dalit women are subjected to sexual abuse. The experts also stated that the children belonging to this group are sold if not sexually demoralized. With this law, the Dalit people in the UK can look forward to a better future ahead of them.

Photo Credit: Dalit or Untouchable Woman of Bombay