TAKE ACTION NOW !

WRITE TO YOUR MP

(below is a sample copy of the letter to send to your MP)

However, we have a supply of postcards within the office contact us at : Info@dsnuk.org

Dear ..................................................................MP,

Caste discrimination is one of the worst and most widespread human rights abuses in the world. Dalits (formerly
known as ‘untouchables’) occupy the lowest position in the caste system. Today 1.3 million Dalits in India are still
forced to make their living through collecting other people’s shit. This occupation known as ‘Manual Scavenging’
is mostly done by women with no protective clothing. In the Monsoon season the basket used to carry the excrement,
carried on the head, becomes soaked causing the contents to run down the face and body of the person
carrying it. Manual Scavengers are bound to their occupation by their caste, making the practice one of the most
extreme forms of caste discrimination, and complicity in its continued practice is an international human rights
scandal.
Please call on the Government of India to immediately release the Rs800 crore (£109m) set aside for the rehabilitation
of manual scavengers, and to complete this rehabilitation including by providing education, health care
and a living wage for decent work, all of which have been denied to manual scavengers. I also call for you to ensure
that DFID’s work on sanitation includes supporting this rehabilitation and recognises and acts against caste
discrimination.
Yours faithfully,

Name: .................................................................................................
Address:...............................................................................................
[Send]

WRITE TO THE INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION

Dear High Commissioner,
The ongoing practice of caste discrimination and untouchability represent a massive human rights abuse. The
descent-based occupation of Manual Scavenging is one of the most shocking examples of this.
In 2010 the Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi under the banner of Equality, Humanity and Destiny.
These values are denied to the 1.3 million Dalits in India still forced to earn their living as Manual Scavengers, collecting
other people’s shit. The majority of the Rs800 crore (£109m) set aside by the Government of India for the
rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers has not been released.
If the Commonwealth games are to legitimately continue in Delhi under the banner of Equality, Humanity and
Destiny it is essentiaal that all this money is released, and that Manual Scavengers are fully rehabilitated including
having access to education, health care and a living wage for decent work.
Yours faithfully,

Name: ................................................................................................
Address: .............................................................................................
[Send]

JOIN THE NETWORK

Dalit Solidarity relies on the support and energy of its network to keep campaigning against caste discrimination
and untouchability.

USE OUR RESOURCES OR ASK FOR A WORKSHOP

You can download our resources here or contact the office for more information.

Dalit Solidarity Network can come to your place of business, union, school, college or university to offer workshops or talks about caste discrimination.

DONATE TO DALIT SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Donations are essential to allow us to continue our work. Any size of donation is appreciated and you can donate
easily here.

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