Human Rights Day widely observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2014:
The International Human Rights Day was observed across the State today with the theme 'Human Rights 365' to convey that every day is Human Rights Day and that each one of us, everywhere, at all times is entitled to the full range of human rights, that human rights belong equally to each of us and bind us together as a global community with the same ideals and values.
A public rally marked Human Rights day observance at Koirengei Uram Mapal.
The event was jointly organised by UNMM, WAD, Koirengei Awang Khunja Tara Meira Paibi and Youth Club, NLF, NEDF, CSD, VWP, SWDC and KKLMPPL.
The rallyists raised slogans against violation of human rights, crimes against women and AFSPA.
Later a public meeting was held.
Committee on Human Rights (COHR) observed the day at Manipur Press Club.
Advocate Khaidem Mani, president AMBA; Phulindro Konsam, chairman COHR, W Shamjai, AMWJU president and Dr Y Mani Khuman, AMUCO president attended the programme as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Speakers of the programme dwelt on the ill effects of AFSPA in the State.
CORE: Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE) and its autonomous humanitarian service, Human to Humane Transcultural Centre for Torture Victims (H2H) urged the Government of India to reintroduce an appropriate Prevention of Torture Bill amended to fully reflect international standards in Parliament within this winter session.
CORE also conveyed strong support to the position of the United Nations that the power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world.
"It tells us that human rights are essential and indivisible � 365 days a year.
Every day is Human Rights day: a day on which we work to ensure that all people can gain equality, dignity and freedom," CORE and H2H said in a statement in connection with the international human rights day.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises, to all, the economic, social, political, cultural and civil rights that underpin a life free from want and fear.
These words are the foundation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the United Nations.
This Declaration also acknowledges that Mother Earth has the right to dignity and security in all her bounteous existence, and that indigenous peoples have upheld this for generations, the CORE statement said.
In this time, and in this period of our present generation, the situation in Manipur could not be further than this declaration's commitment made by Governments.
"Our people have been not able to secure full freedom from discrimination, torture, unjustified imprisonment, summary execution, enforced disappearance, persecution and unjust discrimination, as well as fair access to education, economic opportunities, rich cultural traditions and adequate resources and health-care.
In every sphere of our lives, we face today stiff opposition and resistance to bring about a fair and just world," it observed.
It is also deeply dismayed by the fact that even though torture is universally condemned today by every international human rights and humanitarian law, and nothing can justify torture, the Government of India is yet to ratify the UN Convention against torture and adopt an appropriate legislation by Parliament that aims to prevent torture, redress and provide comprehensive rehabilitation to victims of torture.