US Congress passes Resolution forbidding Caste Discrimination in India

The US House of Representatives last week passed a historic resolution that states caste discrimination illegal and prohibited. The bill is likely to have an outcome on organizations in India that do business with or receive funding from the US Government.

The report highlights the fact that caste discrimination affects over 200 million people categorized as Dalits (untouchables) and Tribals (indigenous peoples) and that although Article 17 of the Indian Constitution outlaws untouchability, in reality the practice still exists and is widespread.

The resolution further states that organizations receiving funding from the Indian Government where the source of funds is US, must not engage in caste discrimination or discourage Dalits from working in their organizations.

“It is in the interests of the United States to address the problem of the treatment of the Dalits and Tribals in India in order to better meet mutual social development and human rights goals…,”featured the resolution.

Congressman Trent Franks, who introduced the bill, said that "untouchability is an unacceptable practice in America’s largest trading partner and close ally. This resolution will ensure that we as a government and as a people in no way encourage or enforce untouchability through our policies with India or through our foreign direct aid."

Franks declared that the adoption of the resolution "marks a victory for the cause of human freedom, and sheds a new light of hope on the 250 million souls who continue to suffer the abuses of caste discrimination in India."

Nanci Ricks, Executive Director of the Dalit Freedom Network. said, “We have seen history made in this resolution. This resolution should encourage all Dalits suffering under caste discrimination in India.”

“The United State Congress has heard of the atrocities of caste and has responded. We hope that the United States Government and US businesses working in India will heed this statement by the House and will join with the Dalit Freedom Network in fighting the effects of caste across India.”

Dr. Joseph D’souza, President of the Dalit Freedom Network, praised the leadership of Congressman Franks and the many others whose active support of the Dalit cause made HCR 139 possible: “without the leadership of Members of Congress like Congressmen Franks, Wolf, Smith, Sali, Tancredo, Pitts, and Congresswoman Kilpatrick in sponsoring Dalit events, film screenings, and hearings and directing their staff to advocate on this issue with vigilance, this historic moment would have never happened. They and the many others who have worked to make this resolution a reality have earned the gratitude of millions of Dalits across India.”

Indian Christians too have welcomed this resolution. Fr. Cosmon Arokiaraj, Executive Secretary, Catholic Bishop Conference in India (CBCI) said that, "the Indian Church whole heartedly welcomes this resolution and the church is pleased that the resolution has been passed.

The resolution now goes to the US Senate for a concurring vote.

Click the following link to Download House Concurrent Resolution 139 : HCR_139.pdf (PDF File)