caste discrimination

By Leo Igwe

In October, humanists will be meeting in Owerri in Southern Nigeria to explore ways of combating caste discrimination and untouchability in Africa ’s most populous country.

The event, to be held at Imo State University , is organized by the Nigerian Humanist Movement with the support of the International Humanist and Ethical Union- a London based umbrella group of humanist, ethical and freethought groups worldwide.

Caste discrimination is a social disease the affects millions of people around the globe. The Caste system obtains in countries such Cameroun, Gambia, Japan, Nigeria, Senegal, India etc. It accords some human beings inferior- sub-human- status and denies them their fundamental rights and dignity.

In Nigeria , caste discrimination is most pronounced in the South-east where the Osu people are treated as “untouchables” .

Throughout the world, millions of people suffer systematic disability, injustice, oppression, stigmatization, indignity and human rights abuses because of their caste status. This conference is significant because it aims at providing a rational, humanist and human rights based response to this cultural scourge.