Defending The Defenders

In a recent visit to India, UN Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya, called upon the Govt to promulgate an act to defend the Human Rights defenders. Democratic governments owe it to their citizens such measures. World over, though we have embraced universal standards of Human Rights, abuse of such rights by government machinery as well as autocratic regimes and groups remains a major concern.

Fair and equal treatment before law, freedom from arbitrary arrest and confinement without trial, freedom from torture and de-human treatment are some of the most fundamental of rights of citizens everywhere. Racial and religious marginalization of peoples, persecution in the name of ideologies and denial of fundamental rights in the name of security concerns are plagues that have refused to wither away.

Individuals in governance as well as in the streets have to look at these issues with a clear conscience and uphold them in every which way - through law, action and support. we are humans and we need to set standards of living that are human! Defending the defenders is a moral duty, since they have shown the courage and conviction that many policy makers do not have! We need to support them by our thoughts, prayers and actions!