The University of Manipur, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), successfully concluded a ‘Two-Day Training Programme on Human Rights in India’ on 30th August 2024. The programme, hosted at the Court Hall, Manipur University, witnessed the participation of over 100 legal experts, academicians, Human Rights Defenders, and students.

The programme was concluded with the valedictory address delivered by Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the NHRC. In his address, Shri Lal emphasized the importance of the true meaning of Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles of State Policy. He also spoke on constitutional and legal recourse available to citizens for securing justice, especially Article 32 in seeking justice. He reiterated the government's responsibility in upholding civil, political, cultural, and socio-economic rights.

Shri Lal stressed the need to foster fraternity among people as enshrined in the Constitution, urging reliance on constitutional and legal provisions rather than violence to achieve justice. He asserted that upholding Human Rights must be an internal commitment, not an externally imposed duty.

Shri Bharat Lal emphasized that the Preamble, the soul of the Constitution, encapsulates the core ideals of equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity. He asserted that any form of violence is fundamentally a violation of Human Rights, highlighting that war, terrorism, and violence are among the greatest threats to human life and dignity. In his address, Shri Lal urged students and teachers alike to actively promote peace and respect for human rights of all human beings emphasizing that these efforts are essential for securing prosperity and a bright future for the younger generation.

He also highlighted the NHRC's recent camp sitting in Guwahati, where 25 cases of alleged Human Rights violations in Manipur were addressed. Shri Lal reaffirmed the NHRC's commitment to protecting and promoting Human Rights for all, calling for collective resolve and sustained efforts to ensure that respecting Human Rights becomes a way of life. He concluded by encouraging partnerships to improve lives and ensure dignity for everyone.

The programme featured eight key sessions addressing critical aspects of human rights. The event brought together over 100 participants, including legal experts, academicians, and Human Rights activists. On its first day, Prof. Rameshchandra Borpatragohain, former Dean, opened the sessions with an overview of Human Rights principles and practices, followed by Dr. N. Pramod Singh, Associate Professor Dhanamajuri University, who discussed the role of Human Rights institutions in India. Hon'ble Justice Kh. Nobin Singh explored the intersection of Human Rights and the Criminal Justice System, while Shri Keisham Pradipkumar, Hon'ble Chairperson MCPCR, addressed child rights challenges in Manipur. Mrs Sobita Mangsatabam, Secretary of Women Action for Development, highlighted the role of NGOs in gender justice, and Mr Meihoubam Rakesh, Director of Human Rights Law Network, Manipur, examined constitutional safeguards on arrest and detention. Mr. Rinku Khumukcham, Chief Editor of Imphal Times, discussed the role of media in promoting and protecting human rights.

This programme marks a significant step in advancing Human Rights education and advocacy in the North-East, with continued commitment from NHRC to fostering respect and understanding of Human Rights. NHRC continues to work with renewed vigour in partnership with Central and various state governments, their parastatal organizations, academic institutions, NGOs, human rights defenders, especially youth and women to protect and promote human rights and treating every human being with respect and dignity, as a way of life.

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NSK