IDSN recommendations to the EU

In May 2010, IDSN published a policy paper containing proposals for a comprehensive EU policy framework for the elimination of caste discrimination. The paper recommends actions for EU bodies and member states to address this form of discrimination.

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The recommendations listed below were issued in May 2008 in connection with the hearing in the European Parliament ”Caste Discrimination in South Asia – 260 million reasons why Europe should act”, sponsored by MEPs Margrete AUKEN (Greens, DK), Jean LAMBERT (Greens, UK), Maria MARTENS (PPE, NL) and Claude MORAES (PSE, UK).

To the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT:

Promote the elimination of caste-based discrimination though parliamentary work 

a) Follow up on the progress made by the European Commission and the European Council on the issues specified in resolution B6-0021/2007[1] of the European Parliament on the human rights situation of Dalits in India, taking due note of recent treaty body reports and recommendations.[2

b) Ensure that all relevant activities and communications by the European Parliament address the issue of caste-based discrimination, including in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), the Development Committee (DEVE), the Sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the Delegation for relations with India as well as all other activities and communications related to the promotion of democracy, human rights and development in caste-affected countries.

c)  Initiate a discussion in the European Parliament of which measures should be taken to eliminate caste discrimination in exchange of views with parliamentary counterparts and government officials from caste affected countries, including in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), the Development Committee (DEVE), the Sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia and the Delegation for relations with India.

d)  Meet with representatives from caste-affected communities during every parliamentary visit to caste-affected countries.

To the EUROPEAN COUNCIL:                 

Promote the elimination of caste-based discrimination through bilateral relations with caste affected countries

a)  The European Council should take the initiative for a thematic discussion or other appropriate initiative on caste discrimination (for example at a COHOM or COASI session) with a view to develop a common position as well as agree on an action plan with measures to counter caste discrimination. (A discussion could involve Dalit representatives for information on the contemporary situation in selected countries of South Asia.)

b) The European Council must systematically raise caste discrimination and pertaining human rights violations in political and human rights dialogues with affected countries; at summits, in ministerial and expert meetings, and civil society consultations as well as in Council statements, resolutions and declarations.

Promote the elimination of caste-based discrimination in relevant United Nations forums 

a) The European Council should support and promote the adoption of the draft UN Principles and Guidelines on the Elimination of Discrimination based on Work and Descent[3] by:

1)      Ensuring that the final report, including the draft principles and guidelines, is handed over to and adopted by the Human Rights Council;

2)      Establishing, on a long-term basis, a permanent mandate addressing discrimination based on work and descent including a monitoring mechanism (either a Working Group or a Special Rapporteur)

b) The European Council should use the historic opportunity of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to work for an effective human rights monitoring mechanism for the improvement of human rights situation of Dalits in caste-affected countries by:

1)      Promoting the use of the draft UN principles and guidelines as a guiding framework prescribing general and specific measures for the effective elimination of discrimination based on work an descent by governments, multilateral organisations and other relevant institutions.

2)      Promoting awareness on the human rights obligations of caste affected states.

Ensure effectiveness of and equality in aid and humanitarian assistance to caste affected countries

a) The European Council should mandate the Commission to develop a framework and guidelines for addressing caste-based discrimination through development cooperation and other forms of cooperation.

Promote elimination of caste-based discrimination in the corporate sector

a) The European Council should encourage reservations and affirmative action policies of EU-based companies in their interaction with caste-affected countries and promote the use of the Ambedkar Principles[4] and the Dalit Discrimination Check[5] – a new tool developed to assist companies in ensuring compliance with human rights obligations and non discrimination in their operations and cooperation with caste affected countries.

To the EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Ensure effectiveness of and equality in aid and humanitarian assistance to caste affected countries

a) The European Commission must address caste discrimination in its development programming and anti-discrimination measures must be introduced at all levels of programming incl. in analyses, policy and strategy development, budgeting, programme planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Data and analysis must reflect appropriately this form of human rights violations.

b) The Commission must uphold its commitment to address caste discrimination in development programming through undertaking a study, and developing and applying a framework and operational guidelines for addressing caste-based discrimination.

Promote elimination of caste-based discrimination in the corporate sector

a) European Commission delegations in caste-affected countries should encourage reservations and affirmative action policies of EU-based companies in their interaction with caste-affected countries and promote the use of the Ambedkar Principles and the Dalit Discrimination Check tool.

IDSN, Copenhagen, 27 May 2008

Endorsed by Members of the European Parliament: Margrete AUKEN, Jean LAMBERT and Claude MORAES.