AGENDA ITEM 3: UNITED NATIONS:HU
CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND PEACE ADVOCACY
AGENDA ITEM 3
Presented By: Awatar Singh Sekhon
Speaking before the UN:Human Rights Council, on behalf of Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy (CHR&PA), Awatar Singh Sekhon said:
Mr President,
It is need not to mention that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, but it is always encouraging to repeat good statements. This universal message is given in the very first article of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration also states that everyone is entitled to all the rights of freedoms without distinction of any kins, such as, race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
Mr President,
Any attempt by any country or group of countries to marginalize any group on security concerns is unwelcome step. The terrorist acts since 2001 have spawned a non ending series of acts of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia in various parts of the world.
However, the discriminatory treatment with Dalits and other lower-caste Hindus in India is in practice since centuries. The social, civil, political and economic status of Dalits and other lower-caste Hindus is extremely devastating. They have not yet experienced benefits of the so called pluralism and largest democracy of the world. Unfortunately, despite some cosmetic efforts, their voice remains marginalized in the largest democracy.
Mr President,
The international community and civil society organizations must give utmost importance to the agenda of elimination of discrimination and hatred of any kind. The governments who have not yet devised their National Action Pland under the Durban Declaration, and they should take immediate actions. At the same time, we urge the government of India to take positive steps, legally, socially, to ensure no discrimination to the Dalits, lower-Hindu castes and the highly visible minorities.
I thank you, Sir.
No comments:
Post a Comment