International Human Rights Day : Statement of CORE and H2H, Manipur

10th December 2014

THIS STATEMENT IS ISSUED ON INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY. IT IS A STATEMENT BY THE CENTRE FOR ORGANISATION RESEARCH & EDUCATION (CORE) AND ITS AUTONOMOUS HUMANITARIAN SERVICE HUMAN TO HUMANE TRANSCULTURAL CENTRE FOR TORTURE VICTIMS (H2H).

"ALL human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights": In this most significant and striking words of any international agreement, 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.

IN this time, and in this period of our present generation, the situation in Manipur could not be more farther 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.

WE are deeply dismayed 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 has yet to ratify the UN Convention against Torture and adopt an appropriate legislation by Parliament that aims to prevent torture, provide redress and comprehensive rehabilitation to victims of torture.

THEREFORE, we urge the government of India to re-introduce an appropriate Prevention of Torture Bill amended to fully reflect international standards in Parliament within this winter session.

WE strongly support the position by 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.

[Dr Laifungbam Debabrata Roy]
President, Elders’ Council
CORE
&
Senior Director, H2H

[Dr Immanuel Zarzosang Varte]
Executive Director
CORE