Dalit Solidarity Network



Working Globally Against Caste Discrimination

NEWS AND EVENTS

5TH MARCH: DEMAND AN END TO MANUAL SCAVENGING

Thursday 5th March 4pm Indian High Commission, Aldwych, WC2B 4NA
In March we celebrated International Women’s Day. On this day, like all days, 1.3 million people in India, of ‘untouchable’caste status, the majority of whom are women, were forced to earn their living by collecting human shit with nothing but their bare hands and simple tools. This is known as “Manual Scavenging”. Due to their caste status Manual Scavengers are unable to escape this dangerous and degrading occupation.
The Indian Government had promised Rs800 crore (£109m) to rehabilitate these Manual Scavengers, but this money has
not been released.
On March 5th we gathered at the Indian High Commission to present an unsigned cheque for the Rs800 crore and demand that this money be released immediately, and that Manual Scavengers are provided with access to education, healthcare and decent wages for decent work.

will continue to:

	Network with Dalit and human rights organisations, groups and movements struggling with issues of caste, work and descent based discrimination.
	Influence policy by highlighting issues of caste-based discrimination to relevant national and international institutions, bilateral agencies and government bodies.
	Build support by raising a awareness among the public, media, trade unions, political parties, religious institutions and youth of the harsh and insidious nature of caste.
	Strengthen solidarity by engaging with the diaspora from countries affected by caste, work and descent based discrimination.
	Campaign for a global recognition of the human rights and democratic space for all those who suffer discrimination because of their caste, work or descent.

Contact Details:
The Director, DSN-UK, Thomas Clarkson House, The Stableyard, Broomgrove Road, London SW9 9TL
Telephone +44 (0) 20 7501 8323 • Fax +44 (0) 20 7738 4110 • Email info@dsnuk.org
Registered charity no: 1107022.