Held on 10th & 11th October 1998
Organised By The Dalit International Organisation
Sponsored By The Indian Progressive Front, Malaysia
We the dalits
of different parts of the world assembled here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 10th
& 11th October 1998 for the First World Convention, do hereby
solemly and sincerely declare that we dedicate ourselves wholly for the blessed
unity of Dalit community throughout the world and would solidly stand united to
struggle relentlessly for better and brighter future, dignity and respect of
Dalits and other down-trodden communities.
(a)
This convention has recognised the initiatives
towards the full development of dalit community throughout the world but deeply
regrets the flagrant violations of Human Rights such as caste discrimination
and atrocities committed on dalits in India and other parts of the world. And
India being the main culprit, innocent women and children face untold
sufferings in their day to day life.
Therefore this convention unanimously resolves to urge the United Nations to immediately appoint “Special Rapporteurs” to commence investigation into this Human Rights violation and also take appropriate measures to effect the implementation of fundamental ‘Human Rights’ instrument for dalits in India and other parts of the world.
(b)
This convention also appeals to the United Nations
to regard this problem seriously as it affects the lives and future of 300
million dalits throughout India and the world who are facing a fate far worse that
South African or American Apartheid.
(a)
This convention takes a serious view on the
prevailing
situation
in India especially in most states where blatant violations of Human Rights and
atrocities are day to day affair of dalits especially innocent women and
children are persistently being kept under bonded labour to caste Hindu
landlords.
Therefore
this convention urges the Central and State Governments of India to immediately
arrest the situation and also bring to book those culprits who are responsible
for the heinous crimes committed on dalit people.
(b)
This convention acknowledges that innocent dalits
are
being constantly harassed and victimised through criminal proceedings during
frequent caste clashes in several parts of India.
This
convention therefore urges that respective State Governments take appropriate
measures and ensure that unbiased police action is taken and justice
maintained.
(c)
This convention therefore also urges the central and
State
Governments
of India to safeguard all the rights provided for in the constitution
especially the Reservation Quotas to SC/ST people at all levels including
Police, Armed Forces, Judiciary and also immediately fill up all vacant places
without any further delay.
(d)
This convention urges the Indian Government to
supervise
The
strict implementation of the Reservation Rights at Local, State and Federal
level including Police and Armed Forces and also give judicial and punitive
powers to the National Commission for the welfare of SC/ST communities so that
commission can play a meaningful and effective role.