The Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC), in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), conducted an awareness program on human rights and the role of the SHRC in their protection at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, on Friday, August 2.
R Nzambemo Lotha, Member of NSHRC, explained that the primary goal of the program is to introduce the NSHRC to the young people of the state and encourage them to approach the commission by educating them about human rights. He said the program aims to ignite the minds of students on human rights issues and provoke thought among young intellectuals to create a better tomorrow. He also briefly outlined the work and functions of the NSHRC, which has been in existence since March 11, 2023.
Advocate Apila Sangtam, Retainer Lawyer at NSLSA, discussed the “Protection of Human Rights Act (1993).” She spoke about the vast history surrounding the Act and the various other commissions stemming from it, including the National Commission for Women Act and the National Commission for Backward Classes, among many others.
Further elaborating on the important powers of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), she highlighted that the commission has the authority to visit state government jails or any other institutions under state control and intervene in any proceedings involving allegations of human rights violations.
She added that SHRCs also function by studying treaties and other international instruments on human rights and making recommendations for their effective implementation. She urged the student body to take a stand as responsible citizens and report any human rights issues or violations to the commission, emphasizing the importance of revisiting the Protection of Human Rights Act regularly.
Advocate Sunjib Rana, Retainer Lawyer at KDLSA, spoke on the topic of “Drug Trafficking and Human Rights.” He discussed the evolution of drugs from a life-saving resource to a significant threat in modern society.
Highlighting the pressing problem of widespread substance abuse in India, he identified poverty and lack of proper employment as major reasons for the increasing involvement of Indian citizens in drug trafficking. Explaining the correlation between drug trafficking and human rights, he noted that the statistical correlation between crime and drug abuse is alarming, with 70% of rape cases involving assailants on drugs.
The panelist also addressed the adverse effects of drugs on direct victims and those in the lives of individuals affected by drug trafficking and abuse, particularly the rights of children who are deprived of their basic human rights through no fault of their own. Discrimination by medical professionals, educational institutions, and society in general are some of the human rights violations inflicted on individuals directly or indirectly by drug trafficking.
He concluded his talk by encouraging everyone in attendance to spread awareness of human rights, saying, “Make a pledge today, here, that when you go home you will share the knowledge you have acquired, and perhaps that will save a life.”
Limanenla, Secretary of NSHRC, proposed the vote of thanks.