(Delhi, 30 August 2014) – The
Regional Initiative for a South Asian Human Rights Mechanism along with
one hundred civil society organisations and individuals from twenty
States across India called on the government to work with other South
Asian States towards the establishment of an independent and effective
inter-state South Asian regional human rights mechanism.
The participants at a national
consultation jointly organised by the Asian Forum for Human Rights and
Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Working Group on Human Rights in India
and the UN (WGHR) expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current state
of human rights in the region and in India.
“Given the lack of
accountability and commitment to human rights by the governments in the
region, we the participants at the national consultation have resolved
to establish a people’s mechanism in the interim and strongly advocate
for the States to set up a regional mechanism for South Asia with strong
enforcement powers.” said Ms. Teesta Setalvad, prominent activist
and advocate for accountability. The participants had drafted and
adopted a Delhi Declaration expressing their resolution to work towards
such a mechanism. A working group comprising of twelve persons was also
formed to ensure implementation of the declaration.
With preparations for the
SAARC summit in Kathmandu in progress, the participants emphasised the
need for proper implementation of human rights instruments adopted by
SAARC and its member States. “Regional cooperation is incomplete and
meaningless without committing to protection of human rights at the
regional level. SAARC will continue to be a muted organisation unless it
takes a proactive role in the promotion and protection of human rights
in the region.”insisted Gayatri Khandhadai, South Asia Programme
Officer, FORUM-ASIA.
“From Sri Lanka to
Afghanistan people suffer while perpetrators enjoy impunity. The people
and governments of South Asia must come together immediately to prevent
any further violations. This is the only way in which we can ensure
peace and stability in the region.” explained Mr. Henri
Tiphagne, Convenor, WGHR.
While Europe, Americas,
Africa, Southeast Asia and Arab States have been successful in evolving
regional mechanisms, South Asia lags behind with no serious dialogue on
regional human rights issues. “The regional mechanisms in other parts
of the world have made considerable contributions to promoting and
protecting human rights and democracy. SAARC, which is best poised to
host such a mechanism in South Asia must also follow the good practices
in other regions. SAARC member States must thus formally engage in
discussions for the establishment of a South Asian human rights
mechanism at the upcoming SAARC summit.” urged Mr. Miloon Kothari,
Convenor, Task Force – Regional Initiative for a South Asian Human
Rights Mechanism.
On completion of the national
consultation on 26-27 August 2014, a delegation of persons from
Afghanistan, India and Nepal met with the National Human Rights
Commission of India, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights,
Parliamentarians and some Ambassadors of South Asian States in the
Capital advocating for the establishment of a South Asian Human Rights
Mechanism and greater cooperation in the protection and promotion of
human rights. The delegation was thoroughly encouraged by the support
and response of the civil society and officials.
About the Regional
Initiative for a South Asian Human Rights Mechanism:
The Regional Initiative for a
South Asian Human Rights Mechanism is a civil society forum that was
created subsequent to the sub-regional consultations held in Kathmandu
in 2010 and 2011. This forum is a collaborative platform of civil
society and individuals from the region committed to the cause of
furthering human rights and peace in the region. The mission of the
forum is to advocate for, and help create an environment conducive for
the establishment of a South Asia Human Rights Mechanism. The Regional
Initiative is guided and led by a Task-Force comprising of one
representative of each SAARC member State.
FORUM-ASIA, a regional human
rights organisation with 47 members in 16 countries across Asia is the
Secretariat of the Regional Initiative. WGHR, a national human rights
organisation in India is the Office of the Task Force.
The Regional Initiative has
convened several national consultations in Nepal, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan and Pakistan over the last few years. The consultation in
Delhi on 26-27 August is a part of this series of consultations in South
Asia. The Delhi consultation was attended by over a 100 participants
from 20 States across India where detailed discussions relating to
future strategies, wider consultation and basic standards for an
effective regional mechanisms took place.
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