Ukhrul, September 13: The commemorative function of one year of United Nations Dec laration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was held under the aegis of Naga People Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), South sector at Union Baptist Church (UBC), Phungreitang, Ukhrul today.

The function was attended by representatives from all the different Naga tribes in Manipur including the United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM), the Naga Women's Union, Manipur (NWUM), local NGOs, and individuals from different walks of life.

Representatives from the Zomi Human Rights Foundation, the Zomi Mothers' Association, the Zomi Students' Federation and other Zomi frontal organizations also graced the function.

It may be recalled here that the UNDRIP was adopted on this day a year ago.

Among others, UNDRIP acknowledges the historical injustices perpetrated against the indigenous peoples over the world and aspires to redress this.

The Declaration envisions and reiterates a number of rights of indigenous peoples including the right to self-determination, the right over land and territories, the right to free, prior, and informed consent, the right to freedom of beliefs, association, political system, and other social and cultural rights.

During the commemorative function, the Khamashit Band presented folks songs celebrating the Nagas' indigenous way of life and oneness with their surroundings.

A minute of silence in respect of Lt Shelly Chara was observed remembering and acknowledging the contributions he made to the society during his lifetime at the occasion.

Organizers also paid homage to the contributions of Luingam Luithui who was recently awarded the Recognition for Outstanding Contribution in Defense of Human Rights at the Asia Indigenous Regional Fair held in Chiang Mai in July 2008. Dr.Gina Shangkham, on behalf of the gathering recalled and acknowledged the tremendous contributions he has made to the cause of the Nagas and indigenous peoples at various levels.

On his family's behalf, Dr.Ngahorshai Luithui, thanked the NPMHR and all the individuals who have supported Luithui�'s activities.

He also shared stories about the personal life of Luingam Luithui.

The Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples Network, Chiang Mai, and the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Chiang Mai, Thailand, also shared words of solidarity.

Among the speakers, Gam A.Shimray, an adviser on Traditional Knowledge, UN Convention on Biological Diversity, explained in detail the intricacies and the challenges of the UNDRIP.

David Choro Adani, president, ANSAM, and Grace Shatsang, president, NWUM also exhorted the gathering to take active actions in asserting the rights of the Nagas and indigenous peoples.

Representatives of the Zomi also expressed their solidarity and happiness in being a part of the function.

The gathering reaffirmed the declaration made by Nagas as one of the struggling indigenous peoples of the world during the Naga Week celebrations in Dec.

1993. Further, a pledge led by Samson Remei, president, UNC, was taken by all the participants undertaking that they will do everything in their powers to ensure the realization of the rights and freedom enshrined in the UNDRIP.

The organizers hoped that the event would be a part of the continued process whereby the rights of Nagas and other indigenous peoples are respected and honoured.

They also stated their commitment to continue working for the realization of the rights of Nagas and indigenous peoples.

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