The human trafficking of India’s Dalits was recently highlighted in the House of Lords as a human rights abuse. The debate, secured by Lord Alton of Liverpool, on 2 December was looking in particular at how the Foreign and Commonwealth Office should pursue human rights questions.

Speaking in the debate, Lord Harries of Pentregarth, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dalits, spoke about “the trafficking of Dalits, whose marginal and vulnerable position in society makes them the main victims of all forms of trafficking … As we know, women and, in particular, children are especially at risk in these areas.”

Lord Harries mentioned that despite the Indian Constitution respecting the rights of all peoples, in reality the Dalits are still discriminated against. As a consequence, he went on to argue that “society as a whole has a role and a responsibility in ensuring that basic human rights are recognised”.

Public concern highlighted

In his response to the debate, Lord Howell of Guildford, Foreign Office Minister, stated that “human rights are essential to, and indivisible from, the UK’s foreign policy priorities”. He confirmed that there will be an annual human rights report, and also that an advisory group on human rights has been established for the Foreign Secretary. Lord Howell stated that the government is concerned by reports of discrimination against Dalits and other minority communities in India. He said, “we discuss these issues with the state-level authorities, drawing their attention to British parliamentary and public concern.” He committed the government to “being candid – without hectoring” in raising human rights issues.

Dalit Freedom Network UK (DFN UK) cannot underestimate the significance of the House of Lords highlighting the issue of Dalit trafficking and the acknowledgement of the role that the UK Government can play in bringing this industry to an end. Not only does this debate keep the Dalit people at the forefront of Government awareness, but it shows the extent of support that this issue is gathering from influential members of Government.

Encouraging progress

The Indian Government is already progressing its own anti-trafficking agenda so DFN UK is increasingly working with influential figures in the UK Government to encourage their counterparts in India in this work. DFN UK continues to press for action from authorities to bring traffickers to justice and to protect and care for those who are trafficked.

Lord Howell’s comment about public concern recognises the importance of DFN supporters raising the issue with their MP. For advice on how to do this, check out our Action Sheet 2 on Gaining Your MP’s Support in our resource downloads.