Kohima, December 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) and the Kohima Law College (KLC) jointly observed the International Human Rights Day in Kohima on December 10 with the theme ‘Stand Up for Human Rights.’
A press release issued by NVCO Press & Media Cell stated that NVCO President and Assistant Professor Kezhokhoto Savi, the guest speaker said the observance of Human Rights Day is bringing the attention of the world that the universal declaration of human rights is the common standard of achievement for all people and all nations.
“To protect human rights is to ensure that people receive some degree of decent, human treatment,” Savi said while lamenting that the Government of Nagaland is yet to constitute State Human Rights Commission which itself is amounting to serious human rights violation.
He also said that as indigenous people of the land, Article 371A of the Constitution of India provides a special provision giving the Naga people rights to protect their own way of life, its land and resources. A major theme of the human rights discourse is the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act widely seen in the state as draconian.
“The law comes into force in any part of India that is declared to be disturbed by the state. Right to life under the Constitution of India and this guaranteed by Article 21 –No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Article 21 is the heart of all other fundamental rights, without which all other fundamental rights are meaningless,” he added.
Savi also pointed out that we need to programme a vigorous defense and promotion of human rights. “The churches, educational institutions and colleges are to play an active role in promoting peace, justice and social transformation,” the human rights activist stated.
