INTERNATIONAL HUMANIST AND ETHICAL UNION
UNION INTERNATIONALE HUMANISTE ET LAIQUE

Statement by Representative Michele VINCENT, Thursday 7 April 2005
Read for her by Main Representative, Roy Brown
Commission on Human Rights: 61st Session. (14 March - 22 April 2005)
Integration of the Human Rights of Women (item 12)

Humanism requires that nowhere in the world will people be discriminated on the basis of colour, creed, language or religion. But in India the basis of 'varna-jati' system sanctioned by scriptures the majority of the people are condemned as Panchamas. This is the caste system, which is iniquitous and unjust. So it is an obstacle to promoting Humanist development and happiness.