'Genocide convention needs to be incorporated in law'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 09 2023:
Manipur Solidarity on United Nations (MSUN) observed the 'International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime' at Sangai Hotel, Nagamapal, here, on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, MSUN programme coordinator MC Meitei expressed concern over the incidents of genocide even after adoption of The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, also known as Genocide Convention.
It was first adopted on December 9, 1948 with 153 countries as the signatory and implemented since 1951.India also appended its signature on November 29, 1949 and ratified the same on August 27, 1959 .
Despite this, incidents of genocide often occur in the country, which underscores the need for effective implementation of the convention, he said.
Manipur is also witnessing genocide with the latest being the execution of 13 unarmed youths in Tengnoupal district on December 4 .
Even though the country is in the race to become a global super power, it has not been able to prevent war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crime against humanity.
In order to prevent such situations, the country needs to incorporate the Genocide Convention into the national laws of the country, he asserted.
Former chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Khaidem Mani presided over the event, after which a memorandum appealing to constitute a National Committee for Prevention of Genocide and to incorporate the convention into the national law was also submitted to the President of India.
The memorandum was jointly signed by MSUN, Manipur International Youth Centre, Nupi Union for Peace and Integrity and Women's United Development Organisation Manipur.