MUC highlights abuse of drug users' rights
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2023:
Shedding light on the serious human right abuses being faced by drug users in Mani-pur on the occasion of Inter- national Human Rights Day, the Manipur Users Collective (MUC) has said that a com-prehensive and compassionate approach which focuses on rehabilitation and harm reduction rather than punitive measures is needed to tackle the root causes of drug abuse in the State.
The MUC, in a statement signed by its convenor M Jogesh, said that there is no decline in drug abuse across the State despite the volatile situation due to uninterrupted supply of drugs.
The crisis instead has aggravated the drug issue leading to further human rights violations under the pretext of treatment and moral policing, it said.
Saying that the issue of mistreatment towards drug users in Manipur is reaching a critical point, the MUC said that the gravity of the situation demands immediate attention and action to safeguard the rights and dignity of the drug users who mostly are in the reformative age group.
The MUC went on to state that the relevant authorities must recognize the problems and uphold the principles of human rights.
The MUC appealed to both local and National authorities to thoroughly investigate cases of human right violation of drug users and hold those responsible accountable.
Continuing that the Government should intensify its drive to eradicate poppy plantation too, the MUC maintained that it is high time for all to acknowledge drug abuse as a health issue rather than considering it as otherwise.
To make the drug use related response a pragmatic, efficient and judicious, it is imperative to consult and engage with people/institutions who are well aware of it, the MUC said while appealing to the international community to stand in solidarity with the affected individuals and advocate for the protection of their basic human rights.
Human rights are universal, and every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity, respect, and access to essential services, it said and appealed to all to contribute in fostering a society that values and upholds the rights of all including those grappling with drug dependency in Manipur.
Meanwhile, the MUC paid tribute to those who lost their lives during this turbulent period and extended heartfelt solidarity with the affected families.
They also extended solidarity to all those who got displaced in the course of the violence.