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“Struggle to defend human rights will continue”

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of the International Human Rights Day, activists from 30 organisations came together at the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre here for “Celebrating and Defending Human Rights in South Asia”.

The activists expressing their solidarity with the people of Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, demanded restoration of democracy in these countries.

Expressing their anger at forces spreading violence, the group also extended their solidarity to human rights activists, writers, and cultural activists in the South Asia region including Taslima Nasreen, Asma Jahangir and Salima Hashmi among others.

Stating that the need of the hour was to strengthen regional co-operation in the true sense of the word, Kamla Bhasin from SANGAT, a network of South Asian feminist activists, said: “Unless, people and communities leading diverse social movements in different parts of the region come together and extend support to each other, we will not be able to realise the much-needed social justice and sustain peace in this region.”

The event also brought together diverse voices representing different concerns and experiences. These include social activists and community leaders involved in struggles waged by socially marginalised communities including dalits, minorities, sex workers, and people living with and affected by disability.

A poster on the values and human spirit that shaped the framing of the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and a book on “Janadesh” -- a rally of 25,000 peasants, which raised fundamental concerns on land and livelihood rights, was also released on the occasion. The programme concluded with lighting of candles by all present and a solemn pledge to continue the struggles to defend the human rights of all.

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