Caste-based discrimination recognized for the first time in Ontario

Ontario's human rights commission recognized caste-based discrimination for the first time last month.

In a policy position published on Oct. 26, the commission said organizations covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code have an obligation to investigate possible cases of caste-based discrimination and to remedy situations where discrimination is found.

Advocates have applauded the move and say they hope it will lead to further action at provincial and federal levels.

The commission defined caste as a hierarchy that "determines a person or group's social class or standing, rooted in their ancestry and underlying notions of 'purity' and 'pollution.’”

The discrimination originates from an ancient Indian social structure with roots in ancient Hindu texts and largely affects the South Asian community.

According to the caste system, Dalits are outcasts and are either at the bottom of or do not belong to the social order.

Vijay Puli, the co-founder of the South Asian Dalit Adivasi Network, says the move has been a long time coming and that he's been campaigning for the commission to address caste discrimination for over six years.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/1.7016754

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