Virus-inducted rights violations discussed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 19 2021: Human Rights Law Networks (HRLN) organised a one-day state level meeting on 'Emerging issues of Human Rights in Manipur' at JN Manipur Dance Academy auditorium here on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by Manipur State Commission for Protection of Child Rights former member K Pradikumar as moderator while MU associate professor Dr Chinglen Maisnam, human right activist Babloo Loitongbam, Shija hospital consultant paediatrician Dr Yaikhomba Taorem and Th Premlata spoke as resource persons.

Speaking at the discourse, Human Rights Law Network director Rakesh Meihoubam noted that people across the world including Manipur have been affected by Covid-19 pandemic.

Amidst such troubling times, there are several instances where the rights of people are suppressed.

In view of this, the discourse was initiated to discuss the rights of the people, he continued.

The resolutions adopted in the meeting will be sent to authorities concerned for necessary actions, he added.

According to a HRLN statement, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented crisis was felt in all walks of life especially in the health, education and livelihood of the people.

Sweeping lock-down measures stopped people from going to offices or earning their livelihood.

The health sector had to additionally grapple with the large number of Covid-19 patients besides non-Covid patients.

Instances of patients being turned away due to unavailability of hospitals were reported.

Schools closures due to Covid-19have brought significant disruptions in educations within the state.

The Pandemic also saw the rise in domestic violence against women in the state.

Many incidents of physical, emotional, mental and financial abuse were reported.

On account of the lack of knowledge and awareness of their rights many poor people are not able to avail their entitled rights.

Schemes related to Public Targeted Distribution System under NFSA and the MGNREGA were not properly implemented.

As a result, many poor people were deprived of their basic rights to food and livelihood.

Further, the response of the government has been woefully inadequate compounded by lack of accurate data.

Against this backdrop, the Network organised the state level meeting featuring myriads of Lawyers, Activists, ASHA workers, Angangwadi, University students, Civil Society Organisations as well as community-based organisations that are at the forefront in the community level as well as at the state level.

The meeting was conceived with the ultimate objective of ensuring justice through the use of law in upholding and defending human rights across the state of Manipur, it added.

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