International Human Rights Day 2024 observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2024:
As observed across the globe, the International Human Rights Day 2024 was also celebrated in various places across Manipur under the theme 'Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now'.
Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) and Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and United Nations (CSCHR) jointly organised International Human Rights Day observation at the Loktak Hall of Manipur Press Club at Majorkhul.
The event was graced by Khaidem Mani, former Chairperson, MFIRC; Pradip Keisham, Chairperson, MCPCR; Joy Chingakham, Chairman, Human Rights Defender; Kangujam Ranjit, president, FIDAM and Dr Y Ranbir, advisor, HRD Manipur as the chief guest, functional president and guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Pradip Keisham stated that killings, arrests, physical assaults and oppression are not the only forms of human rights violation.
Prolonged curfew and internet ban also deprive people of their human rights.
In order to bring peace, the State should deliver justice.
To deliver justice, human rights should be protected, as is the duty of the Government, he maintained.
The top priority of the Manipur Government should be safeguarding the rights of the IDPs.
Celebration of International Human Rights Day today will be meaningful only when the authorities are able to return the IDPs to their respective villages, he said.
Separately, Centre for Human Rights & Duties Education and Department of Law, Manipur University jointly organised the observance ceremony today at the premises of the Centre.
Notable dignitaries include Professor Ng Nongyai, Dean, School of Social Sciences, MU; Dr N Pramod Singh, Associate Professor, Department of Law, Dhanamanjuri University and Dr Y Premananda Singh, Head, Department of Law, MU.
Speaking as the chief guest, Professor Ng Nongyai informed that the United Nations has observed International Human Rights Day from December 10, 1948 onwards.
The day is observed annually as a protest against oppression and subjugation of laymen by people who wield power.
Maintaining that this year's theme is very appropriate for the State, he said that the observance ceremony will spread awareness about the restive situation which has prevailed for close to 2 years.
Lastly, the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) observed Human Rights Day cum sensitization programme on the theme "Constitutional & Legal Rights of LGBTQ".
today at 2 pm at the Conference Hall, ADR Building, Lamphel Court Complex, Imphal.
The programme was attended by Bineshwori Maibam, Addl Member Secretary, MASLSA; Rajshree Yambem, Deputy Member Secretary, MASLSA; Khangembam Rojita Devi, OSD, MASLSA; panel lawyers of MASLSA; Legal Aid Defense Counsels, para legal volunteers etc.
Delivering the welcome address, Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA said that the programme was organised in view of the directions given by the Supreme Court to protect the constitutional and legal rights of the LGBTQ community.
He appealed to all the legal fraternity to acclimatize themselves with the rights of the third gender so that they may be able to render competent and effective legal aid as and when approached by the LGBTQ community.
He also appealed to the media persons to spread awareness about their rights and entitlements.
On the occasion, Rakesh Meihoubam, Director, HRLN and Randhoni Lairikyengbam, Assistant Director, SAATHII as resource persons deliberated on the topics "Laws relating to Transgender Persons in India: A Special Reference to Manipur" and "Needs and Issues of Gender and Sexual diverse individuals - experience from LAC for GSM communities" .