“In our present political context, Human Rights means, whatever is ours by right is ours – and not a privilege or a gift. We should get it without owing thanks to anyone. No one can legally sign away his or her right to be free. Nor can such rights be lost by ‘prescription’ – that is, by long usage, or by the passage of time. They are ‘imprescriptible’, in the language of the 18th century lawyers, or ‘unalienable’ in the language of the Declaration of Independence.” – Dr. Wati Aier
The Morung Express sought the views of some of the people who are (aware of their rights and) fervently working to ensure a society that upholds the human rights of its citizens.
“When we talk of Human Rights,” says Kheshili, President, Naga Mother’s Association, “it means that everyone is born to be free. No one has the right to control another person. In the eyes of God, all are equal; all have the freedom of speech and movement – every person has the right to express their thoughts and do what one feels is right for him or her as long as they are not activities that may be harmful to the self or to others. People have no right to dictate their wishes on others to serve their own selfish interests.”
Moasangla, President of BASN, reinforces this conviction that all are born equal irrespective of caste or creed. She avers, “No one has the right to dominate or impose their thoughts or values on anyone. A person has every right to speak what one wishes – that right should not be taken away. Human Rights should apply to both society and the individual.”
Every year on December 10, Human Rights Day is celebrated around the world on the premise that “all human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms”. It was in 1948 that the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its Preamble declares that “the recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
To Keviletuo, Vice President, Naga Hoho, the day is an opportunity for all to reinforce commitment to human rights values. As the day is commemorated internationally, “every individual must celebrate the day with an aim to bring about peace and unity.” Being a Human Rights activist, the occasion is “one of the most important days for the individual and the society in general to realise the values of life.”
Tushi believes the occasion is “a time to take a closer look at what our personal and collective responses to this issue have been; and perhaps consider ways in which we can each take a more pro-active stance, breaking away from the stereotyped perceptions that prevent so many of us from responding from the heart.”
Moasangla says, “Excepting a few, like those in Human Rights groups or NGOs, when we go down to the grassroots level, we notice people have no knowledge about their rights. Also, their rights are not recognized.” It is her wish that they make a difference by conducting seminars or workshops, not at the expert level, but with the people who need it most – the masses.
Rosemary of the High Level Committee in the Women Commission, observes, “This is a day when the world is reconsidering Human Rights; whereas in Nagaland, since the past decade, violations of human rights have been rampant. We need to rededicate our lives towards ensuring Human Rights as well as address gender concerns. There needs to be serious discussion of gender issues, and issues respecting the rights of women too. Being a woman activist, this is an issue that is seriously considered.”
Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer, Convenor, NPMHR says, “On retrospection of our lives, we come to the realisation of our inherent human dignity. Also, it should be looked at from the holistic understanding of human dignity founded upon individual and social justice. I would say that human right is not only for Nagas. Violation of human rights anywhere in the world is a threat to the human race.”
