Human rights in South Asia are under severe pressure as the entire region is fraught with problems of deep-entrenched poverty, oppressive caste and patriarchal structures, repressive regimes, proliferation of communal forces, ethnic violence, terrorism, etc. Not a day passes, when the rights of the people are not violated either by private or state forces.
With the Universal Declaration of Human Rights completing the 60 years in 2008, it becomes imperative to celebrate and uphold the right to live with dignity.
Image: Victim of communal violence in Orissa/ Photo credit: Asian Centre for Human Rights
16-11-2009A recently released ministry of rural development report in India blames the government and companies like Tata and Essar for a corporate takeover in the hinterland of Chhattisgarh. It claims that it is the ‘the biggest grab of tribal lands after Columbus.’
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19-11-2009Both Sinhala and Tamil Sri Lankans want to leave the country for reasons of security and to seek better economic opportunities abroad. While some go through legal channels, there are many who take an illegal route at great personal risks.
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Image: An illegal migrant who set off for New Zealand from northwestern Sri Lanka, only to run into Australian immigration officials. Despite a harrowing journey, he is willing to try again/ Photo credit: IRIN
19-11-2009The Indian government has ordered hundreds of paramilitary troops into eastern parts of the country where Maoist rebels have increasingly been taking control, writes Mark Tully, former BBC Delhi correspondent. There is tremendous resentment among the tribals at their neglect by successive governments, he adds.
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05-11-2009Violence, exploitation and abuse of children can be brought to an end by creating a protective environment. UNICEF’s report Progress for Children: A Report Card on Child Protection document some improvements in bringing social change, and the challenges in building a safe world for children.
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Image: Cover page of the report/ Photo credit: UNICEF
