International Human Rights Day observed in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 10, 2021

Meghalaya Human Right Commission on Friday observed International Human Rights Day on the theme “Equality – Reducing Inequalities, Advancing Human Rights” at the State Convention Center, Shillong.

Chief Justice of High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Sanjib Banerjee speaking as the chief guest stressed on the need to protect the diversity within the homogeneous identity of India. Lamenting the caste system and suppression of women which are realities to this day, he said that these are an inheritance of a post-colonial feudal culture which we cannot be proud of.

Coming down heavily on the VIP culture which separates those in power from the common man, in terms of the way they conduct themselves and the extent of privileges they enjoy, he said that it is futile to demolish mass structure only to feed the VIP culture of the uber cast of those in authority. While India boasts of many modern amenities, hunger, poverty, lack of shelter and health care have not been addressed adequately, he said. Adding that Human Right are centered to the very notion of peace and development, Justice Sanjib Banerjee said that promotion of political rights alone will not lead to full enjoyment of human rights; economic, social, and cultural rights are equally important. The Judiciary also has a crucial role to play In safeguarding the individual’s right to dignity, he reiterated.

Similarly, as part of the observation of Human Rights Day 2021, the District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District in collaboration with Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority and Bosco Integrated Development Society, Shillong under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority organised street plays on Child Rights and on the role and function of the Legal Services Authority at Motphran, Shillong.

The street plays were presented by the students of Social Work Department, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong and Institute of Integrated Professional Studies (IIPS), Shillong.

The highlights of the observation are distribution of pamphlets on Free Legal Services and Free Legal Aid and ChildLine 1098, short speeches on human rights by the Legal Aid Counsels of District Legal Services Authority, East Khasi Hills District, R Satein and P Riahtam.