Imphal, December 09 2010: This year eighteen human rights and indigenous peoples' rights organisations will come together to collectively observe the international human rights day.

In a press statement released on behalf of all the eighteen organisations by Dr Debabrata Roy Laifungbam, president CORE, it was stated that responding to the long-standing need for a concerted public solidarity and advocacy event that can give the power needed to bring about productive and enduring changes in the struggle for human rights in Manipur, this joint event had been conceptualized.

The other important objective being, to work together for an early just and peaceful political solution to the prolonged situation of armed conflict, the organizers invited all those who wish to join.

The event will be held on 10th December at 11:30am at Iboyaima Shumang Lila Sanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal.

Starting with honouring the departed souls of human rights defenders followed by a modern dance composition about a youth's journey from trauma to becoming a rights defender, the event will also include the release of the Meiteilon version of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

Testimonies by rights defenders and a special screening of a documentary film called April 6th are the other highlights.

This year's international human rights day will be the day to recognize and acclaim the human rights defenders who work at immense personal risk.

United Nations designated the theme for this year's observation as 'human rights defenders who act to end discrimination'.

The observation will underline the challenges and highlight achievements of rights defenders along with emphasizing the government's obligatory role.

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