Dignity and Justice for All - State of Human Rights of UNPO Members
10 December 2007, The Hague - While welcoming the United Nations’ launch of the campaign to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), UNPO takes this opportunity to remind the international community about the poor state of human rights suffered by UNPO Members.
Today the United Nations will launch a year-long campaign of the UDHR with the participation by all parts of the UN family, leading up to 10 December 2008 when the Declaration turns 60. The United Nations has said that the Declaration holds the world record as the most translated document, currently available in more than 360 languages.
"The world cannot blindly celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the UDHR with a message of dignity and justice for all without taking concrete actions to end human rights violations on the ground, where it matters the most," stated Mr. Ledum Mitee, President of the UNPO General Assembly.
Over the past year, UNPO Members have been struggling for justice in their respective regions. In Southern Cameroons, for example, an ongoing campaign has taken place for the right to free speech and judicial safeguards, which is regularly violated by the Cameroonian authorities. Following the recent fact-finding mission to Angola, Ms. Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief said that in Cabinda, "a number of religious communities were severely restricted by the authorities in the exercise of the freedom of religion or belief...in some cases violence, threats and intimidation were also used by the Government."
While the nonviolent struggle for democracy in Burma received an overwhelming reaction from the world, a commitment to end widespread human rights abuses is yet to be realised. Within this region of Asia, in Vietnam the Khmer Krom people saw their religious and human rights leaders facing continued prosecution, while Hmong refugees from Laos were confronted with stringent actions at the hands of Thai authorities. Inside Laos Hmong people are hunted down in the jungles by the Laotian military.
On this day, in the streets of The Hague, Amsterdam and other cities throughout the world Uyghurs from Eastern Turkestan will demonstrate to demand genuine religious freedom in present-day China. As for the human rights situation in Tibet, the Dalai Lama recently wrote in The Economists special edition, ‘The World in 2008’ that "Tibetans love their own culture and their way of life, but Chinese officials regard their urge to preserve their identity as a threat to the unity of China."
While the world waits for a final satisfactory solution to the future political status of Kosova, the full implementation of peace accord in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh is again in doubt due to the current political crisis in the country.
With regard to the Naga-India talks, Mr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, in a report to the UN Human Rights Council stated: "Despite the many difficulties, the Nagas favour a peaceful settlement of the conflict and demand full implementation of the 1997 agreement as a precondition to achieve this goal."
Mr. Stavenhagen’s report also stated: “In 2001, Indonesia adopted the Special Autonomy Law No. 21, aiming at finding a solution to West Papua’s political status and to bring peace to the province. Similarly, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement was signed in 2005, providing for a limited autonomy to Aceh within basic sectors of public affairs, as well as for the right to consultation concerning international agreements for special interest to Aceh. While constructive arrangements have been seen as positive steps, the experience of West Papua after more than five years of the entry into force of the autonomy regime is disquieting.”
In a clear violation of the freedom of expression and assembly, West Papuans were banned by Indonesian authorities again this year from raising their flag on 01 December, their national day. Those who defy the ban risk imprisonment, with some individuals currently serving 15 years behind bars. Reports suggest around 20 people were arrested this year for raising the flag, despite international pressure on Indonesia to stop the repression.
Although the United Nations finally adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in Chile seven Mapuche political prisoners have been on hunger strike since 10 October 2007 to protest against their treatment by the government and their health is now in a critical state. These political prisoners were tried under Chile's 1985 "Anti-Terrorism Law."
The death penalty is another human rights crisis faced by numerous UNPO Members. In Iran especially, UNPO Members have suffered under this inhumane punishment, with frequent executions taking place in West Balochistan and Al-Ahwaz for crimes no worse than campaigning for the rights and recognition of minorities within Iran. China has arguably an even worse record regarding the death penalty. Recently, China sentenced five Uyghurs to death on terrorism charges without providing any evidence and refusing to release details of the trial. In both Iran and China, accusations of separatism and terrorism are frequently used to justify the brutal oppression of human rights campaigners.
In Pakistan, political activists have regularly ‘disappeared’, and it is an open secret that these disappearances are carried out by the security services who clamp down on any political dissent. Recent events in Pakistan have confirmed fears that political dissent is not tolerated. Following the imposition of emergency rule, thousands of protesters were arrested for peaceful demonstrations against the undemocratic nature of President Musharraf’s rule.
In Chechnya, while disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Chechens have been a grave unresolved human rights issue, today people live in fear under a totalitarian regime supported by an estimated 30,000 Russian troops present in this republic. Some reports suggest a disturbing figure of up to 70 per cent of unemployment among Chechens.
Despite the overwhelming human rights issues with which UNPO Members are confronted when struggling to safeguard their religious, cultural and national identities, the campaign launched on the importance of the UDHR will be appreciated. During the next year UNPO Members will be encouraged to once again review the 30 Articles of the Declaration in order to create greater awareness on human rights within their communities.
"
It will be crucial for human rights victims in UNPO Member regions to deeply understand how their human rights, as recognised by the international human rights laws, are being violated. Through such a realisation, they will understand the human rights dimension of the message ‘dignity and justice for all’," expressed Mr. Marino Busdachin, UNPO General Secretary.
Source from-http://www.unpo.org/article.php?id=7391
Monday, December 10, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Jumma in Japan Express Condolence
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed
Chief Advisor
Interim Caretaker Government
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dear Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed,
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals would first like to offer our condolences to Bangladesh for the loss of life and devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr. We commend and admire the resilience of the Bangladesh people at this time.
We are writing to you to express our grave concern about the current situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh. As you will know, this week marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the peace accord in the CHT. However, this anniversary does not bring cause for celebration. There has been a catastrophic failure to implement the peace deal, and human rights violations and land grabbing incidents have increased since Emergency Rule was declared in January this year.
More than 50 indigenous activists have been arrested since January, often on false arms charges. Many have been tortured and given long and unjust prison terms, and two Jummas have died in police custody. Ranglai Mro was beaten and tortured before being given a 17 year sentence. It is widely believed that he was targeted for protesting against the eviction of 750 Mro families from their lands to make way for an army training centre. We are concerned for his safety and the safety of other Jummas currently being detained.
Despite the promises of the peace accord, almost all the army camps in the CHT remain in place. Returnee refugees and internally displaced people have yet to have their homes and lands returned to them. Land continues to be stolen from the Jumma tribal people by both the army and by settlers, who are supported by the government in the form of food rations. Intimidation of activists, rape of Jumma women and other abuses of human rights remain rife.
We, the undersigned, urge your caretaker government to use the opportunity of the tenth anniversary to fully implement the peace accord - to withdraw the army camps, to restore land stolen from the indigenous Jummas, to put an end to human rights violations in the region and to ensure that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice. We further ask that the convictions of the Jumma leaders arrested this year be thoroughly investigated by an independent body, and that those who are innocent be released immediately.
Your government’s stance on the CHT saddens many Japanese people, tarnishing our friendship and trust towards Bangladesh. We Japanese citizens strongly urge the Bangladesh government to implement the CHT peace accord in good faith.
Yours sincerely,
Shimosawa Takashi,
President, Jumma Net
(Some Organizations and Indivituals name are not given)
Source by correspondant
Chief Advisor
Interim Caretaker Government
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dear Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed,
We, the undersigned organisations and individuals would first like to offer our condolences to Bangladesh for the loss of life and devastation caused by Cyclone Sidr. We commend and admire the resilience of the Bangladesh people at this time.
We are writing to you to express our grave concern about the current situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh. As you will know, this week marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the peace accord in the CHT. However, this anniversary does not bring cause for celebration. There has been a catastrophic failure to implement the peace deal, and human rights violations and land grabbing incidents have increased since Emergency Rule was declared in January this year.
More than 50 indigenous activists have been arrested since January, often on false arms charges. Many have been tortured and given long and unjust prison terms, and two Jummas have died in police custody. Ranglai Mro was beaten and tortured before being given a 17 year sentence. It is widely believed that he was targeted for protesting against the eviction of 750 Mro families from their lands to make way for an army training centre. We are concerned for his safety and the safety of other Jummas currently being detained.
Despite the promises of the peace accord, almost all the army camps in the CHT remain in place. Returnee refugees and internally displaced people have yet to have their homes and lands returned to them. Land continues to be stolen from the Jumma tribal people by both the army and by settlers, who are supported by the government in the form of food rations. Intimidation of activists, rape of Jumma women and other abuses of human rights remain rife.
We, the undersigned, urge your caretaker government to use the opportunity of the tenth anniversary to fully implement the peace accord - to withdraw the army camps, to restore land stolen from the indigenous Jummas, to put an end to human rights violations in the region and to ensure that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice. We further ask that the convictions of the Jumma leaders arrested this year be thoroughly investigated by an independent body, and that those who are innocent be released immediately.
Your government’s stance on the CHT saddens many Japanese people, tarnishing our friendship and trust towards Bangladesh. We Japanese citizens strongly urge the Bangladesh government to implement the CHT peace accord in good faith.
Yours sincerely,
Shimosawa Takashi,
President, Jumma Net
(Some Organizations and Indivituals name are not given)
Source by correspondant
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Citizenship for Bangladeshi refugees in Arunachal opposed
Guwahati: The North-East Students’ Organisation (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students’ bodies of the north-eastern States, on Tuesday opposed granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees of Arunachal Pradesh. But if it had to be done, they must be settled outside the northeast region, it said.
Briefing reporters on the resolutions adopted at the first meeting of newly elected NESO central executive, its secretary-general Gunjum Haider and chairman Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya expressed the apprehension that the refugees would overwhelm the indigenous population of Arunachal Pradesh by 2020.
Between 1964 and 1969, a total of 2748 Chakma and Hajong families consisting of 14,888 persons settled down in Arunachal Pradesh. They had fled their ancestral land in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to escape religious persecution of Buddhists.The NESO leaders accused the Assam government of protecting “illegal Bangladeshi migrants” who were served quit notice and driven out from Arunachal Pradesh by the All-Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union during its “Operation Clean” campaign. Mr. Haider alleged that some of them had re-entered Aruanchal Pradesh equipped with “some papers issued by village headmen in Assam.” The NESO demanded special constitutional status for the people of the northeast with adequate rights over land and natural resources and introduction of inner line permits in all the States of the region to protect them from being overwhelmed by illegal migrants and outsiders.
The student body plans to observe North East demand day on December 17 when it will call on Governors of the north-eastern States to submit memoranda addressed to the Prime Minister. It will also begin a survey of Central government organisations to find out how many from the northeast they had employed. The NESO reiterated its demand for 100 per cent reservation of C and D category jobs in all Central and semi-Central organisations in the region for the locals, declaration of the northeast as a special employment zone and constitution of a special commission to address the economic issues of the region.
Expressing concern at the situation in Myanmar, the NESO said the Centre should tell the military junta to stop the suppression of the democratic movement. The NESO leaders claimed that several thousand Myanmarese had fled to Mizoram. They warned the Centre of serious economic consequences.
sources by-http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/05/stories/2007120561251100.htm
Briefing reporters on the resolutions adopted at the first meeting of newly elected NESO central executive, its secretary-general Gunjum Haider and chairman Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya expressed the apprehension that the refugees would overwhelm the indigenous population of Arunachal Pradesh by 2020.
Between 1964 and 1969, a total of 2748 Chakma and Hajong families consisting of 14,888 persons settled down in Arunachal Pradesh. They had fled their ancestral land in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of the erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to escape religious persecution of Buddhists.The NESO leaders accused the Assam government of protecting “illegal Bangladeshi migrants” who were served quit notice and driven out from Arunachal Pradesh by the All-Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union during its “Operation Clean” campaign. Mr. Haider alleged that some of them had re-entered Aruanchal Pradesh equipped with “some papers issued by village headmen in Assam.” The NESO demanded special constitutional status for the people of the northeast with adequate rights over land and natural resources and introduction of inner line permits in all the States of the region to protect them from being overwhelmed by illegal migrants and outsiders.
The student body plans to observe North East demand day on December 17 when it will call on Governors of the north-eastern States to submit memoranda addressed to the Prime Minister. It will also begin a survey of Central government organisations to find out how many from the northeast they had employed. The NESO reiterated its demand for 100 per cent reservation of C and D category jobs in all Central and semi-Central organisations in the region for the locals, declaration of the northeast as a special employment zone and constitution of a special commission to address the economic issues of the region.
Expressing concern at the situation in Myanmar, the NESO said the Centre should tell the military junta to stop the suppression of the democratic movement. The NESO leaders claimed that several thousand Myanmarese had fled to Mizoram. They warned the Centre of serious economic consequences.
sources by-http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/05/stories/2007120561251100.htm
Monday, December 3, 2007
Jumma Peoples Network USA express condolence
November 17, 2007
To:
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed
Chief Advisor
Interim caretaker Government
Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Through: Consulate General of Bangladesh, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Subject: - Cyclone in Bangladesh
Dear Dr. Ahmed,
We, the Jumma People from Chittagong Hill Tracts, living in the United States of America, are very much concerned regarding the recent cyclone situations in Bangladesh. We deeply regret the loss of lives of thousands of fellow Bangladeshi citizens as well as loss of properties. Our hearts go to the all mourning families during this difficult time of their lives. We truly believe that country will overcome this dreadful time with the help of the Almighty.
In recent months we have observed a considerable advancement in the law and order situation as well as socio-economic improvement of the country. Although there are lots to be achieved but the current situation clearly demonstrates that the country is in the right direction under your leadership.
Through this letter we would like to express our solidarity with the rest of the country during this period of hardship and grieve.
We pray to the Almighty for the salvation of all unfortunates who have lost their lives.
Sincerely,
Lt. Col. Kirti R. Chakma (Ret)
On behalf of Jumma Peoples Network USA
jpnus@yahoo.com
To:
Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed
Chief Advisor
Interim caretaker Government
Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Through: Consulate General of Bangladesh, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Subject: - Cyclone in Bangladesh
Dear Dr. Ahmed,
We, the Jumma People from Chittagong Hill Tracts, living in the United States of America, are very much concerned regarding the recent cyclone situations in Bangladesh. We deeply regret the loss of lives of thousands of fellow Bangladeshi citizens as well as loss of properties. Our hearts go to the all mourning families during this difficult time of their lives. We truly believe that country will overcome this dreadful time with the help of the Almighty.
In recent months we have observed a considerable advancement in the law and order situation as well as socio-economic improvement of the country. Although there are lots to be achieved but the current situation clearly demonstrates that the country is in the right direction under your leadership.
Through this letter we would like to express our solidarity with the rest of the country during this period of hardship and grieve.
We pray to the Almighty for the salvation of all unfortunates who have lost their lives.
Sincerely,
Lt. Col. Kirti R. Chakma (Ret)
On behalf of Jumma Peoples Network USA
jpnus@yahoo.com
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Demand for full implementation of CHT accord
Shantimoy Chakma, Rangamati
Political as well as civil society leaders of indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have demanded full implementation of the peace accord signed on this day 10 years ago.
Expressing their discontent and disappointment at non-implementation of the accord in full in the past one decade, they noted that the present caretaker government has also taken no steps in this regard.
Vital clauses of the peace deal concern activating the Land Commission and withdrawal of all 'temporary camps' of army, BDR, APBn (Armed Police Battalion), police and Ansar in the CHT.
As per provision of the peace pact, the government has to hand over control of local civil and police administration and the three hill district councils (HDCs) to the CHT Regional Council (RC). But it is yet to be done.
The accord was signed on December 2, 1997, ending two decades of bush war.
Urging the present neutral government to implement the accord in full, leaders of the indigenous people said successive political governments in the past failed to execute the accord properly because of their limitations due to involvement in massive corruption. But the present government has no such limitations or weaknesses either to any individuals or parties, they noted.
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), a political forum of indigenous communities in the CHT that signed the peace pact with the then Awami League (AL) government, is not holding any programmes this time on the 10th anniversary of the pact.
Rupayan Dewan, a top PCJSS leader, told The Daily Star that they did not take up any programmes this time due to the state of emergency.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Adibasi Odhikar Andolan, a forum for establishing rights of ethnic minorities in the country, organises a review meeting on 'implementation of peace accord' at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka today.
CHT Regional Council Chairman and PCJSS chief Shantu Larma and other leaders will attend the meeting, sources said.
Sanjib Drong, secretary general of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, said indigenous people in the CHT are disappointed that the accord was not fully implemented even in 10 years.
Goutam Dewan, civil society leader and former chairman of Rangamati Local Government Council, said problems of the CHT cannot be solved without full implementation of the peace pact.
Prasanna Kumar Tangchangya, president of Bandarban district AL, said the AL government did not get enough time to implement the accord in full.
Dipankar Talukder, former lawmaker and president of Rangamati district AL, said, "We want full execution of the accord. All pro-peace treaty forces have to unite for this.
"When contacted, Shantu Larma said, “No comment now. I will tell you when time comes."
The leaders said vital clauses of the accord still remained unimplemented, breeding discontent and frustration among the CHT people, mostly indigenous.
On condition of anonymity, PCJSS leaders alleged that the previous alliance government had no intention to execute the accord. So, instead of taking any steps in this regard, it had violated the pact in various ways.
Noting that the main problem of the CHT concerns land, the leaders said the Land Commission has been formed to solve the complicated land disputes but it still remains dysfunctional. And land problem is getting more and more complicated, they added.
Such a situation is also affecting relationship between the indigenous and Bangla- speaking people in the CHT, the leaders said.
source by -http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=13911
Political as well as civil society leaders of indigenous communities in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have demanded full implementation of the peace accord signed on this day 10 years ago.
Expressing their discontent and disappointment at non-implementation of the accord in full in the past one decade, they noted that the present caretaker government has also taken no steps in this regard.
Vital clauses of the peace deal concern activating the Land Commission and withdrawal of all 'temporary camps' of army, BDR, APBn (Armed Police Battalion), police and Ansar in the CHT.
As per provision of the peace pact, the government has to hand over control of local civil and police administration and the three hill district councils (HDCs) to the CHT Regional Council (RC). But it is yet to be done.
The accord was signed on December 2, 1997, ending two decades of bush war.
Urging the present neutral government to implement the accord in full, leaders of the indigenous people said successive political governments in the past failed to execute the accord properly because of their limitations due to involvement in massive corruption. But the present government has no such limitations or weaknesses either to any individuals or parties, they noted.
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), a political forum of indigenous communities in the CHT that signed the peace pact with the then Awami League (AL) government, is not holding any programmes this time on the 10th anniversary of the pact.
Rupayan Dewan, a top PCJSS leader, told The Daily Star that they did not take up any programmes this time due to the state of emergency.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Adibasi Odhikar Andolan, a forum for establishing rights of ethnic minorities in the country, organises a review meeting on 'implementation of peace accord' at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka today.
CHT Regional Council Chairman and PCJSS chief Shantu Larma and other leaders will attend the meeting, sources said.
Sanjib Drong, secretary general of Bangladesh Adibasi Forum, said indigenous people in the CHT are disappointed that the accord was not fully implemented even in 10 years.
Goutam Dewan, civil society leader and former chairman of Rangamati Local Government Council, said problems of the CHT cannot be solved without full implementation of the peace pact.
Prasanna Kumar Tangchangya, president of Bandarban district AL, said the AL government did not get enough time to implement the accord in full.
Dipankar Talukder, former lawmaker and president of Rangamati district AL, said, "We want full execution of the accord. All pro-peace treaty forces have to unite for this.
"When contacted, Shantu Larma said, “No comment now. I will tell you when time comes."
The leaders said vital clauses of the accord still remained unimplemented, breeding discontent and frustration among the CHT people, mostly indigenous.
On condition of anonymity, PCJSS leaders alleged that the previous alliance government had no intention to execute the accord. So, instead of taking any steps in this regard, it had violated the pact in various ways.
Noting that the main problem of the CHT concerns land, the leaders said the Land Commission has been formed to solve the complicated land disputes but it still remains dysfunctional. And land problem is getting more and more complicated, they added.
Such a situation is also affecting relationship between the indigenous and Bangla- speaking people in the CHT, the leaders said.
source by -http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=13911
Bangladesh denies abuse of Chittagong hill tribes
DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh on Sunday rejected as false and baseless allegations of continuing abuse of rights of tribal people in the country's Chittagong Hill Tracts, and said they enjoy more privileges than other citizens.
London-based Survival International, a worldwide support group for indigenous people, has said violence, land grabbing and intimidation still continued in the hill tracts and escalated since Bangladesh declared a state of emergency in January.
Over 50 Jumma (tribal) activists have been arrested, often on false charges, the group alleged in a statement issued ahead of the 10th anniversary of a peace accord between the hill tribes and the Bangladesh government.
The accord, reached on December 2, 1997, formally ended a 25-year tribal insurgency over demand for autonomy, in which more than 8,500 rebels, soldiers and civilians had been killed.
"Bangladesh's campaign against the Jummas has been genocidal. With the peace accord, the country salvaged some of its reputation," Survival's director Stephen Corry had said in its statement.
"But 10 years on, with abuses escalating, international attention must focus on the Chittagong Hill Tracts once more."
Bangladesh strongly denied the charges of rights abuse and said tribal people in the region are enjoying more privileges than other citizens after the peace accord.
"The allegation of any violence against the Jumma is totally false. We have found no evidence of it," said Rawshan Ara Begum, a senior official of the ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
(Reporting by Azad Majumder, writing by Anis Ahmed, editing by Jerry Norton)
Source by-http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnDHA31419.html
London-based Survival International, a worldwide support group for indigenous people, has said violence, land grabbing and intimidation still continued in the hill tracts and escalated since Bangladesh declared a state of emergency in January.
Over 50 Jumma (tribal) activists have been arrested, often on false charges, the group alleged in a statement issued ahead of the 10th anniversary of a peace accord between the hill tribes and the Bangladesh government.
The accord, reached on December 2, 1997, formally ended a 25-year tribal insurgency over demand for autonomy, in which more than 8,500 rebels, soldiers and civilians had been killed.
"Bangladesh's campaign against the Jummas has been genocidal. With the peace accord, the country salvaged some of its reputation," Survival's director Stephen Corry had said in its statement.
"But 10 years on, with abuses escalating, international attention must focus on the Chittagong Hill Tracts once more."
Bangladesh strongly denied the charges of rights abuse and said tribal people in the region are enjoying more privileges than other citizens after the peace accord.
"The allegation of any violence against the Jumma is totally false. We have found no evidence of it," said Rawshan Ara Begum, a senior official of the ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.
(Reporting by Azad Majumder, writing by Anis Ahmed, editing by Jerry Norton)
Source by-http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnDHA31419.html
Development eludes Bangladeshi Buddhist tribals
Dhaka, Dec 2 - Major problems confronting Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh, home to the country's Buddhist tribals, remain unresolved ten years after a peace treaty led to their surrender.
Ethnic minority leaders in general have blamed it on lack of political will by successive governments, who have shied away from granting autonomy to councils, envisaged and formed under the treaty.
Their major demands as laid out in the CHT peace treaty of 1997, which ended guerrilla warfare of 22 years, have not been met, New Age newspaper said Sunday.
Occasional violence between rival factions of the minority organisations has also continued.
The expected results of the treaty such as tranquillity and development remained elusive, the newspaper noted in a report marking ten years of the treaty signed on Dec 2, 1997.
The issue of settlement of land disputes in the hilly region, a major component of the agreement, has gone unattended as the land commission assigned with the job could not even start functioning despite extension to its tenure for two times.
There is now no commission as such after its expiry on Oct 31, 2007 and a proposal for the reconstitution of the commission has been pending with the law ministry, the officials concerned said.
Bangladesh's hilly and most picturesque and mineral-rich region became part of the then East Pakistan, even though it had a Buddhist majority.
Historical records say that Sir Radcliff, who determined India's partition on Hindu-Muslim lines in 1947 decided that CHT should go to Pakistan as River Karnaphuli, that flows through it, is the source of water for Chittagong port. The Congress-led government in India did not press its claim.
A high official of the CHT affairs ministry claimed the government had handed over to the regional council 19 out of the 33 divisions to make the council autonomous. The minority leaders, however, termed these 'minor issues'.
'The implementation of the peace treaty has come to a standstill for lack of will of political governments,' said Moni Swapan Dewan, a former deputy minister in the government of Khaleda Zia (2001-2006).
Dewan wanted the current interim government to show 'more enthusiasm and sincerity' in implementing the treaty.
Source by- http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/151734.html
Ethnic minority leaders in general have blamed it on lack of political will by successive governments, who have shied away from granting autonomy to councils, envisaged and formed under the treaty.
Their major demands as laid out in the CHT peace treaty of 1997, which ended guerrilla warfare of 22 years, have not been met, New Age newspaper said Sunday.
Occasional violence between rival factions of the minority organisations has also continued.
The expected results of the treaty such as tranquillity and development remained elusive, the newspaper noted in a report marking ten years of the treaty signed on Dec 2, 1997.
The issue of settlement of land disputes in the hilly region, a major component of the agreement, has gone unattended as the land commission assigned with the job could not even start functioning despite extension to its tenure for two times.
There is now no commission as such after its expiry on Oct 31, 2007 and a proposal for the reconstitution of the commission has been pending with the law ministry, the officials concerned said.
Bangladesh's hilly and most picturesque and mineral-rich region became part of the then East Pakistan, even though it had a Buddhist majority.
Historical records say that Sir Radcliff, who determined India's partition on Hindu-Muslim lines in 1947 decided that CHT should go to Pakistan as River Karnaphuli, that flows through it, is the source of water for Chittagong port. The Congress-led government in India did not press its claim.
A high official of the CHT affairs ministry claimed the government had handed over to the regional council 19 out of the 33 divisions to make the council autonomous. The minority leaders, however, termed these 'minor issues'.
'The implementation of the peace treaty has come to a standstill for lack of will of political governments,' said Moni Swapan Dewan, a former deputy minister in the government of Khaleda Zia (2001-2006).
Dewan wanted the current interim government to show 'more enthusiasm and sincerity' in implementing the treaty.
Source by- http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/151734.html
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