South
Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) calls for sustained peace talks
Bureau members of
South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a non-government organisation
(NGO), met in a two days meeting on October 15-16 in Lahore and discuss
the human rights situation in the region. The organisation noted that
efforts were underway to end internal and external conflicts that have
affected the peace and stability in the region, said a declaration that
came out on October 17. According to the declaration, SAHR bureau members
praised peace efforts between Pakistan and India and called upon South
Asian governments to address all issues through a sustained dialogue.
The organisation showed concern over the worsening security situation
in the region, especially the growing extremism, and called it unfortunate
that some secular politicians were also playing up religious affiliations
to fulfil their political agendas. SAHR noted that though some special
laws, that subverted the process of law had been repealed, several others
were still in force that were harming the public. The organisation expressed
concern that the majority of such laws were being used in the war against
terrorism. The NGO admitted the threat of terrorism but resented the
manner in which peoples' rights were being curtailed on the pretext
of combating terrorism. The bureau also noted the infringement of freedom
of expression in some South Asian countries and urged the people of
the regions to vigilantly counter such tendencies.
SAHR also discussed
human rights violations and expressed concern over increasing extra-judicial
killings, torture, rape and illegal custody cases in all parts of the
region. The organisation urged civil society members to monitor the
situation and address its root causes. It noted that only people-led
organisations could ensure political, economical and social rights to
the people of the region. The organisation welcomed India-Pakistan peace
talks and suggested both governments quickly ensure an end to human
rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. SAHR noted the miseries of foreign
prisoners and said that the NGO helped release and repatriate several
such prisoners. The organisation said more success could be achieved
with the partnership of civil societies and governments. There was no
data available about such prisoners so host governments should inform
the consulate of the prisoner's country soon after their arrest. Consults
should be ensured free access to the prisoners.
SAHR urged the consulates
to form a special cell for prisoners and exchange of prisoners should
be a treated as an important confidence-building measure between South
Asian countries. Such measures should be institutionalised through the
adoption of a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
protocol about foreign prisoners.
SAHR said that a
joint initiative should be undertaken at the SAARC level to prepare
guidelines for a uniform curriculum to cater all re1igions, cultures
and societies. The joint venture should identify historical inaccuracies
introduced in syllabi so that the respective governments could rectify
them.
SAHR wanted to build
a bridge between the people of South Asia, particularly the youth. It
urged governments and civil societies to move forward to make South
Asian countries centres of excellence so that future generations are
able to expand their horizons through a mutual exchange of ideas and
experiences. It urged governments to address public demands for peace
and free interaction and said it was high time to abolish visa restrictions.
Source:
From Internet
