Meet weighs human rights with human security
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2012:
The two-day international seminar organised since yesterday at Manipur University by Department of Social Work, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Regional Campus, Manipur in collaboration with the Centre for Manipur Studies and Centre for Alternative Discourse, Manipur on "Human Security in the Northeast Region: Challenges & Predicaments" concluded today.
The first session of the concluding session entitled 'Conflict and Peace Process' was chaired by Prof Soyam Lokendrajit Singh, Dept of Philosophy, MU.
Prof Sripapa Petchmeesr, Mahidol University, Bangkok presented a paper entitled, "Making conceptual links between human rights and human security in ASEAN", Prof.Kumarulzaman Askander, University Sians, Malaysia (REPUMS) on "Is the Southern Thailand Conflict 'Ripe for Resolution'? 'Ripeness' and the Peace Process", Subodh Raj Pyakure, Chairperson, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Forum Asia, Bangkok, on "Restructuring Post Conflict in Nepal", and U Nobokishore, United NGOs Mission, Manipur on "Local Capacity for Peace: The Manipur Experience" .
Prof.Sripapa Petchmeesr provided the notion of human security and pointed out that ASEAN has depoliticized the concept of human rights and human security due to various factors such as the ASEAN's principle of non-interference.
She also briefly narrated the historical background of the origin of ASEAN and its growth.
Finally, she stressed the idea that there is a close link between human rights and human security and that the concept of human security needs to be repoliticised.
Prof.Kumarulzaman Askander spoke about the conflict situation in Southern Thailand, Patani, Mindanao (Philippines) and Aceh Island.
He also spoke about the peace process taking place in the areas cited above.
He remarked that it is absolutely necessary to have good intentions and political will for the peace process to succeed.
He concluded that there is wide similarity between the situation of Manipur with that of Patani, Mindanao (Philippines) and Aceh, and that lessons should be learnt from them.
He stressed on the history of formation of the Malaysian Federation and how Singapore was allowed to secede from the federation.
According to him, this was done without any violence but based on understanding.
Subodh Raj Pyakure cited the genesis of conflict and suppression of democracy during absolute monarchy in Nepal.
He focused on the Maoist takeover of power and resulting problems.
He stressed on respecting people's democratic rights and aspiration and dignity.
He remarked that political boundaries are changeable but there is a boundary called social order that is permanent and binds human beings together.
People ought to know and respect the social border.
The last speaker, Mr.U Nobokishore dwelt in length the prevailing conflict situation in Manipur and uncertainty and insecurity that resulted from the conflict.
Under such conditions there is anarchy, militarism and questions about human security is absolutely nil.
People should not this oppressive environment silently, instead raise voice and protest against this.
Finally, he reflected on the lessons to be learnt working in the conflict prone areas and nature of humanitarian aid intervention.
In the afternoon, four parallel technical sessions were held in MIMS, MU from 2 pm onwards.
More than 60 papers covering human security in the Northeast region were presented by scholars and activists during the technical sessions.
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