End Caste Discrimination and Untouchability

CASTE=SEGREGATION and PERSECUTION

It is time to tell our elected representatives that the social discrimination and injustice faced by nearly 250 million people known as Dalits and Tribals in India must stop.

Please sign this petition and forward it to your friends telling Congress to:

• Fund programs that positively impact the Dalit and Tribal communities
• Support efforts to help Dalits and Tribals acquire education, access to health care, economic opportunities, dignity and respect
• Include anti-caste discrimination initiatives in relevant international assistance programs.

You can make a difference. Thank you for taking action.

Learn more about how CASTE=SEGREGATION and PERSECUTION

FULL PETITION TEXT

Click here to send this petition to Congressman Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

Dear Congressperson,

We call on you to join the fight against caste discrimination and untouchability by urging India to end the social discrimination and injustice faced by nearly 250 million people known as the Dalits and Tribals in India.

Despite the fact that the Indian Constitution outlaws untouchability, untouchables, now called Dalits, and Tribals continue to be denied equal treatment under the law, and suffer from educational discrimination, economic disenfranchisement, physical abuse, discrimination in medical care, religious discrimination and violence targeting Dalit and Tribal women.

The signatories of this petition call on Congress to address the treatment of Dalits and Tribals in India by:

• Raising the issue of caste discrimination and untouchability;
• inviting Dalit organizations to participate in the planning and implementation of US development projects;
• Prioritizing funding for projects that positively impact Dalit and Tribal communities, especially women;
• Encouraging international financial institutions to consider caste discrimination when funding development projects;
• Ensuring that anyone receiving US government funds in India is aware that it is US policy that caste discrimination is unacceptable;
• Ensuring that qualified Dalits are not discouraged from applying for US government and private employment in India.

We believe the US government should lead the way in condemning caste and untouchability by using assertive diplomatic initiatives and through foreign assistance programs. Dalits and Tribals must be given the opportunity to fulfill their potential and be free of the form of persecution and segregation known as the caste system.

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