Convenor of the Manipur Users Collection (MUC) M. Jogesh today highlighted the rights abuse by drug users on International Human Rights Day celebrated across the globe under the theme – “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”
“On this International Human Rights Day, we shed light on the alarming and widespread human rights abuses faced by drug users in Manipur, India. We pay deepest honour to those departed souls during this present crisis that erupted since May 3, 2023 and share the grief with their immediate families. We also share the pain and agony of those displaced populations during this crisis and look forward to a just response to it. In spite of the seriousness of the crisis drug use across the state is not being affected in terms of consumption rather it is more aggravated with uninterrupted supply thus leading to violation of human rights under the guise of treatment resorting to moral policing”.
Jogesh said that the gravity of the situation demands immediate attention and action to safeguard the rights and dignity of these individuals as most of them are in the reformative age group. The issue of rights abuses towards drug users in Manipur is reaching a critical point, with reports of discrimination, violence, and neglect. Authorities must recognize and address these violations promptly to uphold the principles of human rights.
MUC calls upon both local and national authorities to investigate and rectify instances of abuse, ensuring accountability for those responsible. A comprehensive and compassionate approach is needed to tackle the root causes of drug abuse, focusing on rehabilitation and harm reduction rather than punitive measures. The Government should intensify eradicating poppy plantations too. It is high time that all drug use issue is acknowledged as health issue rather than considered as moral discrepancy issue. To make this entire drug use-related response a pragmatic, efficient, and judicious approach it is imperative to consult and engage people/institutions who are meaningfully involved with it.
It is also imperative for the international community to stand in solidarity with the affected individuals and advocate for the protection of their basic human rights. Human rights are universal, and every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity, respect, and access to essential services.
On this International Human Rights Day, let us unite in our commitment to fostering a society that values and upholds the rights of all its members, including those grappling with drug dependency in Manipur, MUC said.
International Human Rights Day observed
International Human right day was observed today at the Manipur University court hall under the theme ‘Freedom Equality and Justice for all’.
The observance organised by the Centre for Human Rights and Duties and Education in collaboration with the Department of Law Manipur University was attended by Prof N Lokendro Vice Chancellor, Prof Romeshchandra Borpatragohain former advocate general government of Assam and retired Dean School of Law Guwahati University, Advocate Ng Nongyai former member Manipur Human right commission, Prof Th. Purnima Dean school of social science Manipur university and Dr. Y Premananda Head department of Law Manipur university.
Giving the speech of the Chief Guest, Prof. Lokendra said that the roles of the middle class have been immensely contributing to resolving all issues in the northeast in the past few decades, and for resolving issues of Manipur, the roles of the middle class are highly important.
Prof. Rameshchandra Borpatagaohain elaborated on the emergence of human rights as international laws under the United Nations and human rights are to be well protected by parties involved in the conflict situation of Manipur. International Humanitarian Principles of human rights are to be strictly followed during crisis situations, otherwise, the attention of the International Court of Justice will be drawn in and those involved in criminal cases shall be booked one day.
Dr Premananda, giving his presidential speech said that constructive criticism is highly required by present-day society, and without criticism, no society shall be on the developmental way. Authority should welcome people’s criticism for taking a righteous way. Common article 3 of the Geneva Convention should be strictly followed by all concerned parties during the crisis as what RPF (PLA) has been publicly declaring and following, all concerned parties should take similar stands, he added.
