DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 11 (MExN): Several civil society organizations from Manipur have called upon the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) to take immediate action to ensure the protection of protestors and support the continuation of the peaceful political process for democracy in Myanmar.
This was stated in an open letter issued jointly by Rajesh Ningthoukhongjam, Community Action for Democracy, Manipur; Dr Debabrata Roy Laifungbam, Member (Asia Region), Executive Committee of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), Denmark; Community Network for Empowerment (CoNE), Manipur; Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), Manipur; Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRAM), Manipur; Centre for Women and Girls (CWG), Manipur; Human to Humane Transcultural Centre for Torture Victims and Trauma (H2H); Mobile Journalists Association of India (MOJAI); Women in Governance (WinG), Manipur; Women in Governance (WinG), India; Samadon Sanglen, Manipur; and Prof Mayengbam Akshyayakumar Singh, Clinical Psychologist
It pointed out that the situation has many implications in the North East region and Manipur in particular.
It called upon the UNHRC to pass a resolution calling for an urgent greater monitoring of the fast-unfolding human rights crisis in Myanmar, including by immediately sending a delegation to Myanmar to monitor the situation on the ground and report back to the Council and other relevant bodies.
It further called for enhanced and vigorous reporting on the situation of human rights in Myanmar to the Council and other relevant UN bodies and specialised agencies;
The letter advocated increased support and resources for the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and establishment of a comprehensive response to ensure long-term federal democratic and human rights change in the country.
The addition, the UNHRC was asked to pass a resolution urging the Myanmar military regime to refrain from using all forms of violence, arbitrary arrests, and reprisals against peaceful protesters and respect people’s right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
It also demanded immediate and unconditional release all those who have been arbitrarily detained and allowing unfettered telecommunications and Internet access.;
The letter stated that all humanitarian aid and health support must be allowed to resume work unimpeded. It further called for end to violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in ethnic and ceasefire areas.
