Rights body calls for social participation in devp process

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) joined hands with the communities and civil society groups to claim human rights and firmly stand for the rights of all marginalised sectors during the International Human Rights Day 2016 recently on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.
Dino D.G. Dympep, Chairman, MPHRC in a statement issued on Monday said that it denounces actions that curtail any human rights, which perpetrate fear, want and desperation in the hearts of the people.
MPHRC also called upon the government, development finance institutions, and businesses establishments to stand up for human rights.
According to MPHRC, there is investments in the name of development that do not meet the needs or respect the human rights of poor or marginalised communities.
“ We see a shrinking space for civil society where communities are left out of critical development decisions and their participation is curtailed as government enacts laws restricting fundamental freedoms”, the MPHRC chief said .
The struggle of indigenous peoples to defend their fundamental and collective rights is indeed an enduring uphill battle. For this year’s Human Rights Day, MPHRC reaffirmed its call on Government as the duty bearers to respect, protect and fulfill the rights of indigenous peoples.
“It also reiterates the call of indigenous women in the 16-day Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign to end social injustice and ensure equity and equality for all”, the MPHRC said.
According to MPHRC, critical to women’s emancipation are the protection of indigenous peoples’ right to property and the recognition of women’s role and contribution to sustainable resource management, food security and biodiversity protection and enhancement.
The MPHRC has asked the government to promote rights-respecting development and adopt a policy commitment to respect human rights and to implement due diligence to prevent human rights violations.
It also wanted the government to protect civil society participation, in development processes and promote an enabling environment for civil society.