Dimapur, June 2 (EMN):A two-day consultative event about ‘using the law to ensure reproductive and sexual health rights,’ was organised by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) during May 30-31 at the Jubilee Memorial Centre in Kohima town.
A press release from the organisers on Friday stated that the group provided the platform to discuss and deliberate on ‘reproductive rights’, maternal health care, and Family Planning programs in the state with over hundred participants from various tribal student bodies, women’s associations, and final year students from Kohima Law College, the press release informed.
HRLN was stated to be a network of “lawyers, researchers, and social activists working against human rights violations in India.”
In the session, advocate Kezhosano Kikhi was quoted as having stated the objectives of the consultations. She explained the HRLN’s work in the state. Sarita Barpanda, director for the Reproductive Rights Initiative, spoke about maternal health and the need for ‘respectful and dignified care.’ She highlighted key schemes, benefits and entitlements introduced by the government, and emphasized how the healthcare system was failing women in Nagaland, resulting in avoidable maternal and infant deaths and the appalling treatment of pregnant women.
Highlights were given also on health care services provided at sub-centres, public and community healthy cares and district hospitals in the state as per Indian Public Health standards, with reference to the ‘acute lack of suitable facilities.’
Zahra Wynne, a researcher based at the Delhi office of HRLN, provided a situational analysis of reproductive and sexual health in Nagaland, and evaluated the state’s National Health Mission. She noted that Nagaland’s high maternal mortality rate, unmet need for contraceptive information and services, and declining awareness of HIV, as a justification to improve public health services in the state.
Also, Kezhokhoto Savi, an assistant professor at Kohima Law College talked to the gathering about “Maternal Benefits Schemes” under the National Food Security Act of 2013 and its implementation in the state of Nagaland.
The need for the setting up of a food commission was also emphasized “as a way forward for the proper implementation of the Food Security Act and as a means to address numerous discrepancies existing in the public distribution system in Nagaland,” the press release stated.
On the second day of the programme, issues about contraceptives and services under Family Planning programs and highlights from Supreme Court petitions and judgments on unethical sterilization camps conducted in various parts of Indian states were presented. The topics were presented by Zahra Wynne and Sarita Barpanda, the press release stated.
The lack of access to contraception and the continuing push for female sterilization in the country was noted as a human rights violation, it said.
Other important health and social issues featured during the event were problems and challenges faced by People Living with HIV (PLHIV) by Mr. Lanu, president of a local nongovernmental organization NNP+ highlighted the “levels” of social and personal stigma attached to PLHIVs, and its visible implications in contemporary society.
He stressed also on the need for ‘collaboration from church bodies’ and other civil society organisations in order to extend a helping hand in supporting, educating and sensitizing the public with regard to issues concerning PLHIV, the press release stated. Also, another speaker, Yanpvuo Kikon outlined the use of social media and the Internet as a tool for social activism, the press release stated.
Further, deliberations on topics of sexual and reproductive rights, and benefit entitlements, gaps and challenges, and plans of action to address them were part of exercises during which participants ‘actively contributed,’ the press release stated.
‘Many students, activists, and members of civil society groups highlighted their discontent with public healthcare facilities in Nagaland, and ways forward were considered,’ it added.
