Kathmandu (Nepal): South Asians for Human rights (SAHR), a network of independent human rights activists from eight countries with 150 delegates noted with concern the lack of transparency of democratic institutions and the exclusion of citizen's participation in legislation and policy making during its 3 day (27-29 November) conference held at Godavari Village Resort, Kathmandu.
Commenced with the inaugural address by Hon’ble Justice Mr. Kedar Nath Upadhyay and the key note address of Mr K.C.Lal the discussion focused on ‘the Challenges for South Asia: Human Rights and Democracy.’ Prof. Sarvar Mehmood (Afghanistan), Shaheen Anam, Irfat Iva, Zunaid Ahmad Palak, Amena Mohsin (Bangla Desh), Varinda Garovar, Vinod Bhanu, Asmita Basu, Satya Shvaraman, Jatin Desai, Kamla Bhasin, Talwinder Singh, Ramesh Yadav, Yusuf Tarigami (India), Jennifer Lateef, Aiman Rasheed (Maldives), Prof. Kapil Sareshta (Nepal), IA Rehman, Mohammad Tehsin, Bushra Gohar, Raza Ahmad, Saba Naveed Sheikh, Kamran Arif (Pakistan), Ambica, Chulani Kodikara, Mirak Raheem, Vijaydasa Rajapakshe (Sri Lanka) etc exchanged the views on ‘Transparency and Accountability of South Asian Parliaments’, ‘Responsibilities of MPs in Advancing Accountability of Parliaments’, ‘Discrimination Against Religious Minorities’, ‘Regional Consultation on Internally Displaced Persons’, and ‘Security Laws and Freedom from Torture’ topics.
Conference recognized that the people of South Asia share common bonds of culture, history and geography but noted with concern that governments’ visa regulations have restricted freedom of movement within the region. This has frequently led to cross border killings by security forces and detention of foreigners in prison in neighboring countries. The threats to people's sovereignty due to increased militarization, anti-terrorist and security laws which gave impunity for violations of the right to life, liberty and freedom from torture, erosion of secularism, and dominance of majorities interests in political decision making. The upsurge of extremist violence and obscurantism has encouraged customary practices which are a threat to women’s rights to movement, choice and security. The use of religion as a tool for discrimination against minority communities even in secular States, and that while the constitutions guarantee equality irrespective of caste, class, ethnicity, religion or gender, attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship are committed with impunity.
The conference called upon governments of South Asia to Include citizens' voices in the formulation of the SAARC Charter of Democracy through active engagement with citizens' groups, Repeal or amend security laws to include human rights guarantees, Enforce constitutional guarantees of freedom from torture, Urge the government of Bhutan to release political prisoners, set up effective and efficient institutions to oversee human rights and to resettle Bhutanese refugees in their home country, Prevent the usage of emergency laws to suppress fundamental rights and dissent and Ensure constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and thought, without fear of repercussions or reprisal.
On this occasion second edition of book edited by Ramesh Yadav and Talwinder Singh was released by SAHR members. Voting for new team was also conducted. Mrs. Kamla Bhasin presented the vote of Thanks.
Report: Talwinder Singh, Ramesh Yadav
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