Dalits have been subjected to discrimination and trapped in poverty for thousands of years. These two factors explain why, of all people, Dalits are the most vulnerable to human trafficking, and make up to 90% of those who are trafficked into modern slavery in India.

In 2001, thousands of Dalits travelled from all over India to New Delhi to denounce the oppressive system under which they had been living. In the same year, a significant meeting with Dalit leaders took place in Hyderabad, where they asked the global community for help to remedy the situation. In response to the question of how they could be helped, the Dalit leadership had a twofold request...

[educate our children]

The first was a request to educate Dalit children. This would immediately reduce the risk of the children being trafficked and hence would become a cornerstone in the prevention aspect of the anti-trafficking programme. Education would also mean that the children would be in a much better position to find employment that could lift them out of poverty and increase their self-esteem. The Dalit leaders requested quality education in the English medium with a world-view based on human worth, dignity, freedom and equality. This birthed Dalit Education Centres (DECs) - schools for children aged 4-16 - and led to the formation of the Operation Mercy India Foundation. To date 100 DECs have been established, educating more than 20,000 children, most of whom are Dalits, with an ultimate goal of 1,000 centres around India.

[tell the world]

The second request was for advocacy on behalf of the Dalits: to become a ‘voice for the voiceless’, both in India and internationally, through a network of contacts and organisations. Here in the UK, we can be that voice, by speaking up against the injustices of discrimination, poverty and slavery in India, and by demonstrating that this is something that really matters. We can also help Dalits to stand up against injustice, by providing them with choices about their lives and their future, equipping them with a knowledge of their legal rights, and standing together with them to see these rights honoured.

[dalit freedom network uk]

DFN UK is one of a number of networks set up around the world to take up the cause of the Dalits. In the UK we are focusing on the issue of human trafficking, working with people of all faiths and of none, in partnership with organisations in the UK and in India. Together we can make a difference. Together we can end Dalit trafficking. [Read more...]

Banner and panel photos: RACHEL ROBICHAUX. Used by kind permission.