Verbatim report of proceedings

Thursday, 10 October 2013 - Strasbourg

Caste-based discrimination (debate)

  Zita Gurmai (S&D). - Mr President, caste-based discrimination remains a striking reality for over 260 million people in the world. It is one of the most widespread violations of fundamental human rights. Among these victims of social exclusion, women and girls are particularly vulnerable and face multiple forms of discrimination and violence, including sexual abuse. Children are also at high risk of being sold or sexually exploited. Despite some legislation enacted by the Indian and Nepalese authorities, the reality remains harsh for the Dalits and the true scope of the new legislative framework remains uncertain.

Specific guidelines have been published by the UN on the effective elimination of discrimination related to work and descent. I would like to hear from the EEAS how the EU can effectively push for that implementation. I would also like to underline that this is not only a matter for south Asian countries. For example, many female Dalits are employed in work that is basically modern slavery, and several reports have pointed out that some of the factories employing them produce garments for Western companies. This is something we cannot allow.