The assembly calls for Social and Economic Justice Across South Asia, emphasizes the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on caste, work and descent

On September 30, 2024, representatives from Dalit and Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (CDWD) in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka gathered for the Asia Dalit People’s Assembly (ADPA) 2024. The assembly, conducted virtually, aimed to address and confront deeply rooted caste-based and descent-related discrimination that has pervaded societies across South Asia. This meeting, held with participation from over 55 community members, civil society leaders, elected representatives, and activists, concluded with the release of a powerful “Asia Dalit People’s Declaration.” The declaration was collectively adopted by 13 organizations, including the Asia Dalit Rights Forum (ADRF), Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFOD), and the Togetherness in Peace (TIP) movement.

Download the Asia Dalit People’s Declaration here.

A call for an end to discrimination and demand for Economic Justice

The assembly’s declaration emphasizes an urgent need to eliminate all forms of discrimination based on caste, work, descent and related oppressive systems. Representing historically marginalized communities, ADPA members expressed their commitment to achieving social justice, calling for global attention to the issue, and pushing for social and economic justice as interdependent principles. “Social justice cannot be realized without economic justice,” stated the declaration, drawing attention to the impact of current economic crises, climate change, disaster risks, and the health sector’s inadequacies on Dalit and CDWD communities.

Asia’s persistent caste discrimination and the pledge for equality

Despite global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) slogan, “Leave no one behind,” Dalit and CDWD communities in South Asia remain entrenched in discrimination, facing barriers in accessing welfare programs, justice and economic resources. The ADPA declaration highlights the urgent need to address these systematic exclusions, urging governments to promote policies that ensure equal access to justice, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.

“Let’s Unite for Social and Economic Justice!” was the rallying cry of the assembly, with leaders underscoring that achieving equality requires targeted action and accountability at both national and international levels.

Key demands of the Asia Dalit People’s Declaration 2024

The Asia Dalit People’s Declaration outlines a series of targeted demands to address historical and systemic injustices, creating pathways toward a more inclusive and equitable society:

Economic justice for social equity: Recognizing that social justice is inherently linked to economic empowerment, the declaration calls for economic reforms that protect Dalit and CDWD rights.

Eradicating caste-based discrimination: An urgent call to end all forms of discrimination against Dalit and CDWD communities, ensuring their right to a dignified life.

Land and resource rights: Asserting Dalit and CDWD entitlements to land and natural resources, essential for economic independence and resilience.

Combating poverty and unemployment: Introducing initiatives to eradicate poverty, hunger and joblessness among CDWD, along with focused support for livelihood development.

Inclusive national healthcare budgets: Adoption of healthcare budgets and plans inclusive of Dalit and CDWD needs, ensuring healthcare is recognized as a fundamental right.

Accountable health insurance systems: Developing accountable health insurance systems that prioritize marginalized groups, alongside the establishment of monitoring cells to track and rectify disparities.

Complaint redressal in healthcare: Establishing a robust complaint center for Dalits and CDWD to report discrimination and negligence in healthcare, with mechanisms for swift resolution.

Financial inclusion mechanisms: Creating inclusive financial systems for vulnerable groups to ensure equal economic participation.

Enhanced healthcare infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare access through better facilities, qualified personnel, and a resilient supply chain for essential medical resources, alongside sensitization of healthcare staff to eliminate caste biases in treatment.

Strengthened primary healthcare: Improving primary healthcare by enhancing accessibility, quality, and workforce strength.

Policy inclusion of Dalit voices: Ensuring Dalit and CDWD perspectives are integral in policy dialogues, as sustainable progress relies on the inclusion of diverse community views.

Investment in health data systems: Advancing health information systems to improve service delivery and data accuracy for targeted interventions.

Compensation for victims of discrimination: Providing legal, economic, and social support to individuals impacted by caste-based violence and discrimination.

Resilience against economic and environmental crises: Assuring livelihood protection against financial crises, disaster risks, and climate change.

A unified stand for justice: The Asia Dalit People’s Assembly 2024 is a call to action, inviting international stakeholders, governments and civil society to rally in solidarity, championing justice and equity for all.

–