Tamil Nadu Women's Forum (TNWF) headed by Fatima Burnad (APWLD member) submitted an alternative report for the 15th - 19th periodic report on India submitted by the Government of Republic of India for the 70th session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Geneva, March 2007. The TNWF report "Unheard Voices - Dalit Women" presents documented cases of discrimination and violence against Dalit Women in India in 2005-2006.

The UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN CERD) has expressed concern over an alarming number of allegations of acts of sexual violence against Dalit and tribal women in India, who were being "trafficked and forced into prostitution". The Committee asked the Indian government to establish special courts and task forces to deal with violence against Dalit women.

The committee also expressed concern about reports of "arbitrary arrest, torture and extra-judicial killings" of members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by police and about "frequent failure to protect" these groups against communal violence. Demanding disciplinary or criminal measures against police and other law enforcement officers who "violated their duty to protect" them, the committee urged the Indian government to introduce mandatory training on the application of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for police, judges and prosecutors.

Taking note of India's position that caste-based discrimination fell outside the scope of the International Convention on Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, the committee maintained its position that discrimination based on descent included discrimination against members of communities based on forms of social stratification such as caste which nullified or impaired their equal enjoyment of human rights. (www.zeenews.com)

The committee also expressed concern about reports of "arbitrary arrest, torture and extra-judicial killings" of members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by police and about "frequent failure to protect" these groups against communal violence. Demanding disciplinary or criminal measures against police and other law enforcement officers who "violated their duty to protect" them, the committee urged the Indian government to introduce mandatory training on the application of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for police, judges and prosecutors.

Taking note of India's position that caste-based discrimination fell outside the scope of the International Convention on Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination, the committee maintained its position that discrimination based on descent included discrimination against members of communities based on forms of social stratification such as caste which nullified or impaired their equal enjoyment of human rights. (www.zeenews.com)