Fundamentalism and its impact on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 2016, para. 76
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Paragraph text
Caste-based systems found in some countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are considered to be discrimination on the basis of descent, but are also illustrative of cultural fundamentalism that violates the rights of those considered to be of inferior status. Caste-based systems are hereditary in nature, and they determine labour and occupation status, which is confined to menial and so-called "polluting" jobs. Caste systems also include untouchability practices based on the belief that contact with individuals from lower castes is "polluting", and discourage or prohibit intercaste interactions such as marriages, eating together and sharing goods and services (see A/HRC/31/56, para. 28).
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Economic Rights
Equality & Inclusion
Social & Cultural Rights
Person(s) affected
Ethnic minorities
Year
2016
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
SR Freedom of Assembly, Report to the HRC (2016), A/HRC/32/36, para. 76.