DIMAPUR — An awareness programme on 'Human rights and the role of state human rights commissions in its better protection' was organised by the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) in collaboration with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Kohima College, Kohima, on Saturday at the college premises.
While delivering the keynote address, chairman of the NSHRC, Justice Songkhupchung Serto, highlighted the importance of fundamental rights and the entitlements of each person as enshrined in the constitution, according to a press release.
Highlighting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) at length, he stated that it is an international document comprising 30 articles that outline the fundamental and basic rights of an individual.
He explained the basic concepts of equality, liberty, and dignity and spoke in detail about individual rights, including the prohibition of slavery and the right to life for all individuals.
Serto also noted that the UDHR provides provisions for fundamental human rights and the remedies related to their violations. Additionally, it addresses an individual's rights within the community, including the right to nationality and the right to property, among others.
The welcome note and opening remarks were delivered by NSHRC member R Nzanbemo Lotha. He stated that the programme at Kohima College was organised to introduce the NSHRC and inform people that the state now has a human rights commission, established in 2023, which is one of the youngest state human rights commissions in the country.
Nzanbemo also highlighted the powers and functions of the SHRC, stating that it operates like a civil court and is judicial in nature. Additionally, it has the authority to order enquiries into any state or other organisation.
He emphasised that, as much as people protect and promote their own rights, they must do the same for others. He urged those in attendance to become defenders of human rights.
During the day-long session, Nagali Shohe, panel lawyer of Kohima DLSA, spoke on the 'Protection of Human Rights Act 1993', while Sunjib Rana, retainer lawyer of Kohima DLSA, presented on 'Drug trafficking and human rights.'
More than 500 students attended the programme.