Dalit Freedom Network UK has launched Dalit Freedom Action – a resource pack for anyone wishing to champion the cause of Dalit freedom and to campaign against the human trafficking and slavery of India’s Dalits – untouchables.

The 56-page pack is crammed full of background information, resources, ideas, and guidance for Dalit Freedom Champions and Action Groups – in fact everything you need to get up and running. The pack is available online to view or to download. There are also a limited number of hard copies which can be requested from DFN UK.

DFN UK is calling on all those who feel outraged by the injustice and human rights abuse of trafficking and slavery among India’s Dalits to become Dalit Freedom Champions and to take action through raising awareness, lobbying for change or raising funds for the campaign in the UK or on-the-ground anti-trafficking projects in India. DFN is keen to see Dalit Freedom Action Groups set up in every constituency in the UK so that every MP in Parliament is made aware of the issue and urged to take action.

Dr Joseph D’souza, International President of Dalit Freedom Network, says, “I am very excited by the launch of this impressive resource in the UK. When we met with Dalit leaders ten years ago one of the key things they asked for was to tell the world about the issues that their people were facing. Because they have been marginalised and oppressed for thousands of years, Dalits feel that they are without a voice – this packs gives them a voice through their champions in the UK. My hope is that thousands of people in the UK will add their voices to those around the world who are demanding an end to Dalit trafficking”.

The first Dalit Freedom Action Group (D:FRAG) which was set up as a pilot in the West Midlands has already been involved in writing to their MP, speaking to various groups of people in civic societies, schools and faith communities, arranging meals in people’s homes with a brief presentation about the issue and the campaign to invited guests, organising fund-raising activities including a meal in an Indian restaurant, a comedy evening and regular car boot sales.

More resources

Other resources have also been put online including a range of posters to help raise awareness – high quality A2 and A3 copies can also be requested from DFN UK. PowerPoint presentations about the issue are also available – one is to brief D:FRAG members, the other is to use for public presentations.

Action Sheets are being added to the site all the time. Recent Action Sheets include:

• Sheet 4 - How Champions and D:FRAGS can help DFN to make the most of Anti Slavery Day (18 October) by raising the profile of Dalit trafficking. DFN is aiming for local activities across the country to take advantage of the media coverage and public awareness that the Day will generate.
• Sheet 5 – How Champions can help raise awareness by hosting a meal at home for their friends.