'Hidden+Apartheid'+in+India

=Human Rights Violations and Abuses within India's Caste System:=

Pictured above and right: The "//Untouchables//": India's lowest caste.

THESIS PAPER
__A Broken People: The Dalits’ Struggle Through the Effects of a Hidden Apartheid.__ Since over two thousand years ago, India’s social structure has been that of the Caste System. Developed upon Hindu belief this distinct and official social hierarchy remains, even today. The Caste System is made up of four main castes or categories, which are determined by “ritual purity” (Guru). Castes today are solely determined upon heritage, and ultimately defined at birth. It is impossible to move to a greater caste in one’s lifetime. The make up of the caste system is as follows: The first and highest caste is the “Brahmins”. It historically included the teachers and priests, and generally those associated with higher education, or the pursuit of knowledge. The “Kshatriyas” are below. It consisted of soldiers and rulers, and made up the military, government and ruling people. Historically it is known as the caste of the brave. The “Vaishas” are the third caste. It included those who owned land, and also the skilled artisans and workers. Fourth is the “Shudras” who were the peasants. “Untouchables”, or “Broken People”, or currently called “Dalits”, are the lowest social group and fall outside of the caste system not being an official varna, or caste. (Guru) The Dalits historically have been neglected, and degraded by the culture around them. These “Untouchables” have been treated exactly as the word admits. In some parts of India they would be forced to announce there arrivals with the banging of drums to give others warning, because even “their shadows were thought to be polluting” (Guru). People would intentionally distance themselves at great lengths in hopes to avoid contamination. Worshipping in the Hindu temple was forbidden. Despite a long and dismal history of neglection towards the Dalits the government today has begun to give the situation some attention, though many would argue a minimal and insufficient amount. India’s government has established programs and legislation that aim to provide assistance for the Dalits, although their minimal effort, lack of enforcement, and general indifference to the crisis negates that in many cases. Beginning in 1968 the Indian government ratified the ICERD or International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (“Hidden Apartheid of”). This guarantees that all would be free of discrimination on the basis of “race, colour, descent, or national, or ethnic origin” (“Hidden Apartheid of”).So later in 1996 the UN Committee of Racial Discrimination exclaimed that the Dalits’ situation falls under a form of descent based discrimination (“Hidden Apartheid of”). In reaction, India developed affirmative action programs for education, and government quotas, thus moving them in a good direction. However, India has shown no //legitimate// effort to sympathize with the plight of the Dalits. Their ‘efforts’ have been marked by little to no enforcement of laws and codes, insufficient funding for programs, and a continual abuse and exploitation of the Dalit people by law enforcement and local government. The Asia director of Human Rights Watch insists “India needs to mobilize the entire government and make good on its paper commitments to end caste abuses. Otherwise it risks pariah status for its homegrown brand of apartheid” (“Hidden Apartheid Of”). It is crucial that India takes seriously the needs of their people. This dark reality of a hidden apartheid continues today within much of India especially within the more rural areas. It affects every facet of life for these ‘broken people’. Current Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledges “Dalits have faced a unique discrimination in our society that is fundamentally different from the problems of minority groups in general. The only parallel to the practice of ‘Untouchability’ was Apartheid in South Africa. Untouchability is not just social discrimination. It is a blot on humanity.” (“Hidden Apartheid”). The very emotionally overwhelming effects of this apartheid spills into all areas of life especially educational, economic, and social/cultural. (It must be noted that in writing this paper, I struggled a lot with continuing on, as I uncovered more of these grievous and intolerable effects of the social discrimination. Also, though one may see blatant beliefs of hatred held by higher- caste persons they do not represent all in the higher-castes. There are some charitably giving money and effort to help the Dalit cause.) Dalits experience horrid educational repercussions as a result of caste discrimination. The literacy rates are very low and the school drop out rates are phenomenally high. Much of this is a result of disregarded discrimination within the school system. In many cases Dalit students are forced to sit in the very back, or just outside of the classrooms. The prejudice and hatred is perpetuated as students of higher castes come to learn. The attitude amongst particular higher-caste people suggests Dalits are not to be educated and are undeserving of education. Many children cannot be educated and are forced to work due to their extreme poverty, evidently an economic result of the apartheid taking place. Economic effects as well, leave these “Broken People” seemingly hopeless. Dalits live in the most extreme poverty of our world today. Many live off one American dollar or less per day (“Hidden Apartheid of”). Jobs are very difficult to find. Most social establishments will not hire them on the basis of their caste. Even if they are hired as a teacher or any other profession possessing some level of decency they are often subject to discrimination by the other staff. About one half of them are “landless agricultural laborers” (Guru). The others are forced to work in the most dangerous and demeaning jobs. Over 100 sewage workers, after being lowered into underground man holes, die every year, by being exposed to deadly toxic gases or being drowned in human excrement (“Hidden Apartheid Of”). Women are often forced into prostitution, and children are often used for cheap labor, or human trafficking. Their living conditions are generally very unacceptable. Only seven percent have access to safe drinking water, electricity, and a toilet (Guru). Residencies are segregated. Most Dalit’s aren’t permitted to cross “pollution lines” (Guru) which separate their slums from the outside cities. This proves convenient for members of higher-level castes who live in the cities and are able to separate themselves from this injustice. The social interaction can be limited if it is what is desired. Arguably, the most extensive results of caste discrimination and the hidden apartheid of India are the social implications. Many are subjected to cruel and vicious forms of torture, violence and hate crimes, on a rather regular basis. It is not uncommon for homes to be burnt down, people murdered, or women raped within the Dalit tribe. The people fear reporting the crimes to the police because frequently the police themselves take part in the crimes. It is an overwhelming and very grave issue, and the government must be pro-active in holding law enforcement accountable and protecting its people. Also, the right to marriage and to choosing a spouse is in many cases denied to the Dalit. In a rural setting, sometimes the local village councils (made up of upper-class caste members) will forbid inter-marriage between castes. It can result (in some cases) in sanctioned beatings, killings, rapes, lynching, etc. The “prohibitions of inter-marriage are a hallmark feature of the caste system and are designed to insure rigid social norms of purity and pollution” (“Hidden Apartheid”). In few cases inter-marriage is permitted and in those few cases the higher caste must become part of the lower. The termination of marriage rights are amongst many other social catastrophes related to caste discrimination. Refused to the Dalits many times, are their voting and religious rights. Though voting in India is technically open to the Dalits, many have faced oppositions in the form of “booth-rigging and booth capturing, denial of access to polls, intimidation, and violence” (“Hidden Apartheid”). This obviously drives many away from voting. Also, in hopes of escaping caste discrimination many Dalits attempt to convert to a new religion other than Hindu. Other religions within India consist of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism (Vedantam). Devastatingly, even religious conversion does not stop this force of hatred and injustice. They continue to be discriminated against. “Sikh places of worship have separate quarters for dalit Sikhs. High-caste Muslims do not marry dalit Muslims. Dalit Christians can hardly hope to reach any high position within the church. (They are not even allowed to occupy the pews meant for higher-caste Christians.) And Buddhist monasteries have not been able to prevent their converts from continuing their earlier casteist practices (Vedantam).” This caste discrimination seems so inescapable, and the limited government assistance and legislation proves to be insufficient. What is to be done? This problem is vast and the road to freedom is a long one. A whole people group is being mistreated within a corrupted system of social hierarchy. The government though slowly instituting change has offered neither the resources nor the determination to see their programs exercised effectively. Those breaking the law and abusing the Dalits are being held to little or no accountability. But this cannot continue. As one can tell by Prime Minister Singh’s piercing remarks on the similarity of ‘Untouchability’ to ‘Apartheid in South Africa’, the government must face this problem due to the growing number of people involved. It can no longer ignore the voices of over 100 million people. But even with the government’s best efforts it will take more than government legislation to change this sad illustration of ignorance and hatred. Until individual’s hearts and minds are changed, and the courage to defend the defenseless and persevere towards a new reality is taken seriously, and until people are humbled and moved towards forgiveness and restoration, the Dalits of India will remain untouchable. (ST)

Works Cited Guru, Gopal., and Shiraz Sidhva. “India's 'hidden apartheid.'” //UNESCO// //Courier.// (Sep. 2001). 54(9), 27.  “Hidden Apartheid.” //Human Rights Watch Publications//. (13 Feb. 2007) Volume 19, No. 3, 116 pgs.  “Hidden Apartheid of Discrimination Against Dalits.” //Human Rights News: Human// //Rights Watch.// 13 Feb. 2007  Vedantam, Vatsala. “Still Untouchable.” //Christian Century.// Find Articles (19 June 2002). 119(13), 25.  (ST)

[|Dalit Network]
Better known as the Dalit Freedom Network this organization intends to abolish the caste system. With much news updates, and various blogs this website is a very useful resource in raising awareness for the Dalit's plight. The Dalit Freedom Network is involved in education, economic development, healthcare, and social justice. There are various ways to help out such as sponsoring a dalit child, or donating to a variety of funds. (ST)

[|Dalit Women Power]
This is an organization specifically focused on Dalit Women. It's goal is to assist, educate, equip, and empower dalit women. This ministry is made possible by a group of catholic women who run the organization. There is an opportunity to help by donating to their cause. (ST)

[|National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights]
This is the home website for the NCDHR. The very informative website seeks to educate people, as well as illustrate the political side of what is going on. With a very broad archive, ample documentation, and development information this website really helps to familiarize one with the current political atmosphere. There are also internship opportunities. (ST)

**[|Human Rights Watch]**
Human Rights Watch is a public organization that defends human rights on a global level. They cover a variety of Human Rights Issues related to and beyond apartheid and play a crucial role in mobilizing public opinion. This is definately worth a look. (ST)

**[|Unesco, The Courier: India's Hidden Apartheid]**
This article gives an informative overview of the Caste System. It mentions the governments efforts towards affirmative action in working through the discrimination and inequalities of caste. Yet, the efforts are futile, and the majority of abused persons are not effected by the governmental sanctioned quotas. This article is useful, giving the 'down and dirty' outlining the racism and social stigma that is associated with peoples of the lowest caste. (ST)

**[|Human Rights Watch, 'Hidden Apartheid' of Discrimination Against Dalits]**
This recent article illustrates the international attention that is on India currently due to their failure to protect the rights of the members of the lowest caste, the "Dalits". It shows how human rights organizations such as the 'Center for Human Rights and Global Justice', and 'Human Rights Watch', are pressing the UN and specifically CERD to act. The article gives important legislation regarding the situation at hand, and urges that something be done. (ST)

[|USA Today, India struggles with Discrimination]
This article outlines the caste discrimination within the country. It notes that many people from higher castes in India actually criticize the government's recent affirmative action type programs, exclaiming members ofthe lowest caste are getting unfair advantages now. The article gives a fair opinion of both sides of the argument admitting that many Dalit's human rights are still being violated. The prejudice brought about by the caste system is the most shockingly apparent information within the article. (ST)

[|TIME, A Local Custom Called Cruelty]
This article has a more personal story, following a couple from the lowest caste the "Untouchables". The wife was offered money by her landlord to sleep with him and refused. So her husband stuck up for her and was allegedly doused in carousine and set on fire that night by the landlord's nephews. It continues, giving statistics for caste based hate crimes, and mentioning that many crimes go unreported because of fear of police considering they are responsible for many of the crimes. (ST)

[|Untouchables: My Family's Triumphant Journey Out of the Caste System in Modern India (book)]
This is the memoir of Narendra Jadhev. This moving story of a young family's perservearance through prejudice and oppression, will inspire the reader. However be prepared to face and bear the truth of the inhumanity and social atrocities the book wounds one with. (ST)

[|Human Rights Watch Publications, Hidden Apartheid]
This publication is an official 'shadow report' presented to the UNCERD. This extensive report is over a hundred pages long and outlines specifically the discrimination Dalit's face in all areas of their lives. It is intended to fill in the blanks of the report that the country of India gave to the UN which lacked any details on the Dalit situation. This report proves to be an outstanding resource. (ST)

[|Christian Century, Still Untouchable]
This article explains some Dalit's reaction to the oppression they experience because of the caste they've been born into. Admitting that many Dalits convert to other religions such as Islam, Bhuddism or Christianity in hopes of escaping the discrimination they are used, still they find themselves trapped within the system. The article points out the hypocrasy of some political and religious leaders who unfortunately exploit the groups for there own benefits. (ST)

[|National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR)]
This is the official website for the heroic organization working towards recognition of Dalit Human Rights. The website is a great source of timely news on the caste crisis, as well as upcoming events, articles, and pictures. There slogan "Cast out Caste" best represents there aim towards freedom for there people. (ST)

[|Mother Jones, Caste Away]
This article although published in 2001, examines the impact of Dalits beginning to win local elections for the first time. There are more than 300 seats now reserved for those of the Dalit caste. With that victory for the Dalit movement, there was increased levels of opposition.Also, the article highlightes various Indian Dalit Human Rights advocates such as the Christian Dalit Liberation Movement, and the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights. (ST)

[|New Internationalist, The Blacksmith and the Noble]
This article explains the old tale of how castes were created. The story explains how a blacksmith once attacked his friend (a ruler), for falling in love with his wife, and because of that had a necklace of flame thrown around his neck. Today, because of the myth people many times refuse to associate with blacksmiths, also called Caste People. The article also shows the ethical conflict between marrying outside of one's caste. (ST)

[|The Hindu, U.N. Panel Condemns Caste]
The Hindu, which is India's National Newspaper reports in 2002 on the UNCERD condemnation of descent-based discrimination within the caste system. They conclude that the news is a 'major setback' to India's government due to there arguement of caste not being equated to race. (ST)

[|Ode Magazine: The Chance for New Beginnings]
An interview of former Nobel Peace Prize Winner Desmond Tutu. This personal and powerful interview cuts to the heart, as this Anglican Anti-Apartheid Campaigner speaks on the power of forgiveness. Includes historical information on his life, and modern application of his message. (ST)

[|Time 100: Nelson Mandela]
This article is an inspiring biographical account of the life of Nelson Mandela, a revolutionary political figure of South Africa. Though the article was written in 1998 he was the TIME man of the year in 1993. This article exhibits Mandela as a revolutionary of our time. (ST)

[|Nelson Mandela Foundation]
A foundation based on the achievements of Nelson Mandela, this organization seeks to ‘enable the growth of human fulfillment and the continuous expansion of the frontiers of freedom’. They live out his legacy by valuing the attempts of reconciliation and working towards a more peaceful world. (ST)

[|UN Apartheid Images]
This United Nations website has a variety of interesting photographs related to apartheid in South Africa. These photographs from the archive highlight key events of South Africa as well as give a more personal account of the history. (ST)

[|South Africa: History]
This organization is dedicated to providing a detailed portrayal of the history of South Africa. It includes many worthwhile resources such as biographies, art, family trees and features. The special chronology on Passive Resistance is particularly informative. (ST)