For the first time caste discrimination gained international prominence during the World Conference Against Racism in Durban, South Africa -- despite the Indian Government's efforts to have it removed from the forum's debate.

Throughout the run-up to the conference, the Indian Government lobbied hard to have the phrase "discrimination on the basis of 'work and descent' " - which refers to caste - removed from the Programme Agenda.

Many dalit ("untouchables") groups from Asia and other human rights organisations from around the world campaigned for the phrase to be kept, both in the agenda and the Conference's Programme of Action. Representatives from Canada and Norway demanded the original language in the draft declaration be retained, rejecting India's diluted version. Support also came from the National Human Rights Commission of India which, according to reports, declared the conference provided an opportunity to deal openly with discrimination and inequality, including caste.

Dalits present at the meeting gained substantial support from other delegates. Beyond the conference, dalit rights organisations prompted Indians in South Africa to discuss the issue of caste in their own communities.

Millions of dalit women, children and men are forced to live outside society due to caste and many are considered as slaves to be used by members of the upper caste; a disproportionate number of bonded labourers in South Asia also are dalits. They are denied the cultural, religious, material and social rights enjoyed by the general population.