By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Aiming to enlighten the local populace on the various issues and problems concerning Human Rights and its violations, a Khasi translation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was on Monday released by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Charles Pyngrope.
Initiated by the Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC), the Khasi version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, translated by renowned Khasi author SS Majaw, was on Monday released at the Khasi National Dorbar Hall, Mawkhar.
Addressing the gathering, the Speaker said that even though the Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed many years ago by the United Nations, however, human rights violation in different forms is still rampant.
Lauding the efforts of the MPHRC for highlighting the various issues and problems faced by the people of the State concerning human rights and its violations, Pyngrope hoped that people would become more aware of their rights.
MPHRC chief organiser SS Rynjah, in his address, stated that even though Article 20 of the UDHR clearly states that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful gathering and association’, but the government violates these Human Rights by imposing Section 144 CrPC and even making arrests.
“As a democracy, we are entitled to many other rights but in our situation democracy starts one month before the elections and ends right after the declaration of the election results and hence our rights are neglected,” he added.
Brief speeches were also presented by Nobo Kishore, Rev Christopher, and Rev Dr PBM Basaiawmoit besides one participant from each of the States in the region followed with a cultural performance by Jaintia Students’ Welfare Association, Haflong, Assam.
The Human Rights Day pledge was also taken and certificates were distributed to the participants on the occasion.
