MPHRC observes International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 10, 2020

The Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) today while observing the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, would like recall the historic adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) on 3rd Sept 2007, whereby the governments of the world including the government of India (GoI) pledged to recognize, respect, protect & promote the rights of indigenous peoples. 

“The UNDRIP establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples” said Dino D.G. Dympep, Chairman MPHRC.

This year’s theme is” COVID-19 and indigenous peoples resilience”.

 “On this important day we would like to recognize the continuous service of all the healthcare workers such as our doctors, nurses and the police who are on the frontlines of battling the novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) that is spreading rapidly throughout our city and our state. They are putting themselves in the path of this in this unprecedented crisis” said MPHRC.

“The sacrifices they make, everyday and especially their dedication, commitment and courage during this pandemic, deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration” said Dino D.G.Dympep Chairman MPHRC.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting indigenous peoples, exacerbating underlying structural inequalities and pervasive discrimination in access to health care and infrastructures. The denial of basic human rights is severely limiting common people to respond to the current health crisis. We strongly urge the Government to put human rights at the center of the pandemic response to ensure that all persons enjoy the   right to dignity and equality of access to health services and equality of treatment” said MPHRC.

The Government must also “take immediate steps to ensure that indigenous peoples are informed, protected and prioritized during the COVID-19 global health pandemic. Of special concern are the vulnerable chronically ill, those in medical fragility, as well as the indigenous elders, women and children. The Indigenous elders are a priority for our communities as our keepers of history and traditions and cultures” said MPHRC.

“We would be remiss in not emphasizing the need for the Government to act transparently during this crisis.  People everywhere need to know of the risks that exist globally as well as locally.  While the masks we now wear may be disposable, people are not”  conclude MPHRC