ZHRF bats for rights of indigenous folks
Source: The Sangai Express
CCpur, August 08 2017:
On the occasion of International Day of the Indigenous Peoples, the Zomi Human Rights Foundation, HQ called upon all to honour the rights of indigenous peoples and made a-six-point recommendation which it said will uphold their unique contribution to achieving mutual understanding, peace and sustainable development .
The recommendations, the ZHRF said were made after taking into account the various facets of problems faced by the Indigenous Zo Peoples on the occasion of International Day of the Indigenous Peoples as well as on the Tenth Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 September, 2007 .
The protection of the rights of the Indigenous Zo Peoples and their rights to be humans as an imperative; safeguarding the rights and protection of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples which cannot be contradicted to the objectives of National unity nor developmental goals; effective implementation of Acts and Laws meant for the protection of the Indigenous Zo Peoples, for their survival as a people; State's initiative and continued efforts to enter into speedy settlement with the signatories of the Indigenous Zo People who had signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO); and to work out constructive legal and political arrangement, within a spirit of mutual respect autonomy and self-determination, are some of the points included in the recommendations .
It also said that militarization, frequent repression by the State actor and, the excess of non-State actors are the main sources for the violation of the right to be humans.
Political crimes, fake encounters and various abuses are committed in the name of safeguarding security and fight against terrorism.
Such excesses and repression brought about a deadly toll on Indigenous Zo peoples and needs serious retrospection .
As such any legislation by the State should incorporate the protection of indigenous peoples and their property, their rights over land, forest areas, pastures and other natural resources with due regard to indigenous customary laws, traditional lifestyles and cultural values, it said .
Further the foundation called for the implementation of any developmental programme on land that belongs to the indigenous people in pursuance of any acts or legislations, the Government should adhere to all norms and procedures, obtain the free, prior and informed consent of the indigenous people in accordance with the international standard and practices.