Protect human rights: MIYC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 10 2024: On International Human Rights Day, Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) has called on the Governments, civil society organisations, and individuals to reaffirm their commitment to protecting human rights.

International Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 .

The theme of the International Human Rights Day 2024 is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now", and it highlights the immediate relevance of human rights in shaping a brighter future, said MIYC in a statement.

Manipur has been facing human rights issues since its "controversial" merger with India in 1949, it said.

"The imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in 1958 resulted in decades of militarisation, extrajudicial killings, and widespread human rights abuses.

Indigenous communities have faced the erosion of their cultural identity, economic exploitation, and the denial of self-determination.

These long-standing grievances remain a testament to the urgent need for justice and reconciliation," MIYC said.

The humanitarian crisis in Manipur deteriorated further in the aftermath of the May 3, 2023, Kuki aggression on Manipur.

The outbreak of violence led to unprecedented suffering, displacement of thousands, and a climate of fear and mistrust.

Communities have been left vulnerable to relentless aggression, hostages taking and killing in captivity, acts of arson targeting homes, religious institutions, and essential infrastructure, it said.

The acts committed during this period constitute clear violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The prolonged blockade of highways, deliberately cutting off of essential supplies, and the burning of oil tankers and trucks carrying food and medicines are war crimes.

These actions have not only inflicted severe hardship on innocent civilians but also blatantly disregarded the Geneva Conventions.

Accountability for these atrocities is imperative to restore faith in the rule of law, it said.

A comprehensive human rights movement cannot succeed unless it recognises and upholds the right of peoples to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

As the world reflects on the progress and challenges of human rights, it is vital to prioritise the voices of those marginalised and oppressed.

Justice for victims of human rights abuses and adherence to international legal standards are non-negotiable.

The global community must rise to its responsibility in addressing historical injustices and ensuring equal rights for all, including the people of Manipur, said MIYC .

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