By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 10: Meghalaya Peoples’ Human Rights Council (MPHRC) on Sunday marked International Human Rights Day, a day to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was adopted in 1948.
The day was observed under the theme ‘Freedom, Equality and Justice for all’ underscoring the interconnectedness of the three fundamental pillars of human rights and the importance of achieving them for everyone.
MPHRC called upon the government and policy makers and those in positions of power to step up for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future for human rights for present and future generations.
In a statement issued here, MPHRC Chairman Dino D G Dympep said, “This landmark document is a blue print to guarantee the rights of every individual everywhere, enshrining the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the realization of these rights, which are to be extended to all regardless of nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, or legal status.
MPHRC condemned all acts of brutality that have been systematically perpetrated against innocent civilians, indigenous peoples, minorities, including women and children as well as other atrocities and violations of human rights.
“We honor the bravery of many individuals, activists, human rights defenders, and peaceful protestors, who promote freedom, justice, equality and equity, and the rule
of law despite severe risks to their own lives, rights, and freedoms” the statement said.
MPHRC stresses on the need to bring to justice to those responsible, including those at the command level, and urge all parties, including the government to take all necessary steps to prevent further violations of human rights from occurring or, when violations do occur, to address their causes so that they do not reoccur in the future.
The council urged the government to investigate all allegations of human rights abuses and prosecute offenders; including those implicated in various violent incidents in the past. We also urge the state sponsored human rights institution to continue investigate allegations of human rights violations and to ensure that they are appropriately addressed by the relevant mechanism.
The council further reminded everyone that human rights empower us all – the principles enshrined in the UN Declaration for Human Rights (UDHR) are as relevant today as they were in 1948. We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the affinity of all human beings. Human rights are timeless and non-negotiable. A violation of human rights anywhere is a violation of human rights everywhere.