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Statement by Roy Brown, IHEU Main Representative
Thank you, Mr President
Discrimination based on work or descent, untouchability or caste discrimination,
is widespread throughout much of Asia and in several countries in Africa,
affecting an estimated 250 million people worldwide.
India outlawed such discrimination in its 1950 Constitution,
has passed laws against the practice since then
and has set up exemplary programs of affirmative action.
Nevertheless, the law is rarely enforced and caste discrimination remains endemic in India.
We therefore welcome the statement by the Special Rapporteur on Racism
that caste discrimination clearly falls within his mandate.
In this regard, we also welcome the final report of the Sub-Commission-appointed Special Rapporteurs on the topic of
discrimination based on work or descent as an important step forward that should now be followed up by the Council.
May we also in this connection refer delegates to the resolution of the European Parliament adopted on 1st February 2007
on the situation of the Dalits in India,
and, secondly, to the Declaration on Untouchability from the First World Conference on Untouchability
held in London last week under the auspices of IHEU.
The time has surely come, Mr President, for the Human Rights Council to take up this issue –
the most widespread, pernicious and intractable form of discrimination on Earth.
On another matter entirely, we were dismayed to hear yet again in this very debate
an attempt to link defamation of religion to racism.
Mr President, if I believe that a particular religion has no merit; that it is founded on a pre-scientific worldview,
and that the application of many of its tenets is contrary to internationally accepted standards of human rights,
then that is my opinion and I have the absolute right to express it.
And, Mr President, it has nothing whatsoever to do with racism.