Stigma and the realization of the human rights to water and sanitation 2012, para. 32
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Similarly, caste systems are closely related to stigma and patterns of human rights violations. Caste systems across the world are deeply rooted in social segregation, based on ideas of purity and pollution and lending traditional "legitimacy" to discrimination. The International Dalit Solidarity Network underlines that Dalits "are considered 'lesser human beings', 'impure' and 'polluting' to other caste groups. They are known to be 'untouchable' and subjected to so-called 'untouchability practices' in both public and private spheres". In terms of water and sanitation provision, Dalit habitations are often systematically excluded (A/HRC/15/55 and Corr.1, para. 76).
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation