Christian Solidarity Worldwide hosted a delegation of activists for India's Dalit - formerly 'untouchable' - population last week in numerous forums in London and Brussels to highlight the caste-based slavery faced by millions of Dalits.

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, 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 and the role played by abolitionist William Wilberforce, the delegation raised the issues of caste-based discrimination, oppression and exploitation in India in terms of modern-day slavery.

They called 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."

[Source:CSW]