In 2001 Dalit leaders meeting in Hyderabad, India, asked for help in telling the world about the issues facing India’s Dalits today. They want to see justice and freedom for the Dalit people, by making the global community aware of their plight, their hope is for action to be taken that will make a real difference. Dalit Freedom Network UK is committed to highlighting the suffering and injustice caused by the trafficking of India’s Dalits and campaigning for action.

[advocacy]

The Indian government has passed laws to tackle sex trafficking and under-age prostitution, and has outlawed bonded labour and the practice of Devadasi. Official reports recognise the destructive, oppressive and abusive nature of such practices. The task of enforcing these laws rests with state authorities. While DFN UK welcomes this, we recognise that as in the UK there are legal gaps, enforcement is not as effective as it needs to be, victims are not given the care and protection that they need, and much still has to be done to change attitudes and transform communities so that trafficking and slavery become totally unacceptable.

In India there is no law against the act of trafficking. Effective enforcement is hampered for a number of reasons including lack of time and resources, lack of expertise, ineffective investigative techniques and legal procedures, not to mention the presence of corruption. Victims are often treated as criminals.

DFN UK is urging the UK government, MPs and peers, to offer help and encouragement to the Indian authorities in tackling these issues, which are common across the world, but affect so many more people, particularly Dalits, in India. DFN is working in partnership with individuals and groups across the UK to lobby their MP, and encourage them to work for justice and freedom for India’s Dalits.

[awareness]

Increasing the awareness of both the public and of politicians is fundamental to the campaign. The more people who realise the injustices and the exploitation that is taking place, the more likely they are to take action effectively. Mobilising and equipping individuals and groups across the UK is a key element in spreading the message.

[champions and action groups]

DFN UK wants individuals who feel strongly about these issues to become Dalit Freedom Champions to stand up and speak out. We are encouraging the formation of Dalit Freedom Action Groups (D:FRAGs) around the UK to be part of the awareness raising and lobbying, as well as supporting our on-the-ground anti-trafficking projects in India. DFN provides a range of resources and ideas to help.