CHTnews.com
News No. 01/2008, January 19, 2008
Leaders of the Committee for Protection of Land in Bandarban have called upon the government to cancel the ongoing process of acquiring 9,560 acres of land for the purpose of expansion of Ruma Garrison in Bandarban.
The demand was made at a press conference held at Reporters Unity premises in Dhaka today, 19 January.
Committee member Mr. Khoichong Murung read out a written statement in which he claimed that the government is now at the final stage of acquiring the land in three Mouzas of Galenga, Pantola and Sengum under Ruma Upazilla.
Describing the process, he said "the Military Estate Officer of Bangladesh Military had made a proposal to the Thana Nirbahi Officer of Ruma to upgrade Ruma Garrison to a full-fledged cantonment. However, the TNO opined that the proposed expansion plan would affect 1, 569.06 acres of land of private ownership as well as 4,000 acres belonging to the Forest Department and displace 4,315 persons of 644 Jumma families. Again, in 1988 a joint team of Bandarban District Administration and the Bangladesh Military conducted feasibility study of the area and concluded that the acquisition of the said land would result in disastrous consequences. Because of this the past governments of both Awami League and BNP had refrained from endorsing the plan."
Describing the potential consequences of the ongoing land acquisition process, Mr. Khoichong further stated that "if the process is put through a total of about 4 thousand Jummas mostly from Marma, Tripura and Murung nationalities would be affected, many villages would be completely destroyed and thousands of acres of forests would melt away. On the other hand, there is no suitable and adequate land for the rehabilitation of the displaced persons. This will in turn create enormous pressure on the demands of land, increase dependence on Jum cultivation and pose serious threats to the life and livelihood of the displaced persons."
Criticizing the role of the Bangladesh Military personnel in the land acquisition process he said, "the army is, on the one hand, putting direct and indirect pressure on the village elders including Chairmen and Karbaris (village head) to accept the land acquisition programme, and proposing tantalizingly huge amounts of money as compensation on the other."
He also accused both the civil and military administration of maintaining blanket secrecy about the actual status of the land acquisition process.
The press conference was also attended by Kowla Aung Marma, Hla Mong woo Marma, Mongnu Aung Marma, Singrao Murung, Prusathoai Marma and Mongting Oyong Marma.
During the question and answer session, Mr. Kowla Aung Marma, one of the potential victims, said "We will rather die than leave our lands. If necessary we will take to the streets."
When asked how the process of acquiring the said land can go on when there is an embargo put in place by the Ministry of Land, Mr. told the media persons that the military had also tried to grab lands during the rule of BNP-led four party alliance government.
At least fifteen reporters and photo journalists from different news papers and media organisations attended the press conference.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Current News
Army threatens to demolish Buddhist temple in Baghaihat
The Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone in Rangamati district has ordered Rev. Dwip Bongshaw Bhukkhu, the chief priest of Bishwa Moitri Bouddha Vihar, to leave the temple.
The verbal order was given on 17 January, Thursday when the CO met the Bhikkhu at his temple in the village of Hazachara. The temple was established in 1991.
"The CO simply said that he would demolish the temple and asked me to vacate it immediately", Rev. Dwip Bongshaw, who is now in Khagrachari to report the incident to the Parbattyo Bhikkhu Sangh president Rev. Sumanalankar Mahathero, told the HWHRF by telephone.
He, however, could not tell the name of the army officer.
Baghaihat lies in the north-eastern corner of Chittagong Hill Tracts bordering Mizoram of India.
Religious freedom has come under increased attack in the recent times in CHT. On 31 December 2007, a group of army personnel led by Captain Sohel, commander of Shuknachari Indra Singh Karbari Para camp, demolished Bhujulichuk Kuthir, a Buddhist meditation centre in Lakshmichari Upazila in Khagrachari district. On 14 January 2008, police arrested a Buddhist monk named Rev. Aryo Joti Bhikkhu from Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir, a Buddhist meditation centre cum temple, at Karallyachari under Mahalchari Upazilla. The monk was also implicated in a frivolous case along with other 500 lay men and lay women followers.
The Commanding Officer of Baghaihat zone in Rangamati district has ordered Rev. Dwip Bongshaw Bhukkhu, the chief priest of Bishwa Moitri Bouddha Vihar, to leave the temple.
The verbal order was given on 17 January, Thursday when the CO met the Bhikkhu at his temple in the village of Hazachara. The temple was established in 1991.
"The CO simply said that he would demolish the temple and asked me to vacate it immediately", Rev. Dwip Bongshaw, who is now in Khagrachari to report the incident to the Parbattyo Bhikkhu Sangh president Rev. Sumanalankar Mahathero, told the HWHRF by telephone.
He, however, could not tell the name of the army officer.
Baghaihat lies in the north-eastern corner of Chittagong Hill Tracts bordering Mizoram of India.
Religious freedom has come under increased attack in the recent times in CHT. On 31 December 2007, a group of army personnel led by Captain Sohel, commander of Shuknachari Indra Singh Karbari Para camp, demolished Bhujulichuk Kuthir, a Buddhist meditation centre in Lakshmichari Upazila in Khagrachari district. On 14 January 2008, police arrested a Buddhist monk named Rev. Aryo Joti Bhikkhu from Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir, a Buddhist meditation centre cum temple, at Karallyachari under Mahalchari Upazilla. The monk was also implicated in a frivolous case along with other 500 lay men and lay women followers.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Quake jolts Rangamati
Staff Reporter
A mild tremor jolted Rangamati hill district and its adjoining area yesterday dawn. Intensity of the quake was 4.8 on the Richter scale.
Chittagong Ambagan Observatory sources said the tremor was felt at 4.44am and the epic center was 226km off south east to Dhaka Agargaon Quake Center and it was a mild tremor. It was originated surrounding Rangamati district.
Source-http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/20080113372/country/quake-jolts-rangamati.html
A mild tremor jolted Rangamati hill district and its adjoining area yesterday dawn. Intensity of the quake was 4.8 on the Richter scale.
Chittagong Ambagan Observatory sources said the tremor was felt at 4.44am and the epic center was 226km off south east to Dhaka Agargaon Quake Center and it was a mild tremor. It was originated surrounding Rangamati district.
Source-http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/20080113372/country/quake-jolts-rangamati.html
'Emergency should go to expedite polls process'
Staff Correspondent
The newly appointed special assistants to the chief adviser, Fakhruddin Ahmed, have stressed the need for lifting of the state of emergency to facilitate political activities ahead of general elections.
The special assistants, who assumed charges on Sunday, said the prime responsibility of the government was to hold the polls and pledged to extend all cooperation to this effect.
'The government should withdraw the state of emergency allowing political activities if the elections are to be conducted,' special assistant to posts and telecommunications ministry MA Malek told reporters at his secretariat office.
He said the emergency should be lifted within a reasonable time so that the political parties could start preparations for the polls.
'The country should be run by the politicians', the retired army official said when asked for comments on the present situation.
The special assistant in charge of telecommunications ministry said immediate steps would be taken to simplify the billing system of BTTB phones to rid the consumers of hassles.
Debashis Roy, who is in charge of the Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs, said the main task for the government was to hold the general elections besides carrying out routine activities of different ministries.
'The state of emergency should go as soon as possible,' said the ethnic minority leader while talking to reporters at his office in the secretariat.
He said the chief adviser had told him that all important activities of the CHT affairs ministry would go under his responsibility while things having political implications should be consulted with the chief adviser.
Asked about the demands of ethnic minorities for removing Bangali settlers from the hill tracts, Chakma Raja Debashis said the issue should be addressed from humanitarian point of view.
'I think everyone's right should be protected…How long they have been living there should not be a matter in the case of right protection…. We should look at the issue from human rights perspective.'
M Tamim, who is in charge of the energy and mineral resources division, said the government's main task was to conduct the polls and they [special assistants] would assist the administration in activities so that the elections could be held in time.
Earlier, the special assistants visited the national martyrs' memorial at Savar in the morning to pay homage to the martyrs of the liberation war.
The newly inducted primary and mass education adviser, Rasheda K Chowdhury, said that the state of emergency must be lifted. 'If the parties appeal to the government for lifting the emergency before initiating dialogue with them, the authorities will obviously consider it,' she said responding to reporters' queries.
The date and agenda for the proposed political dialogue would be set in the council of advisers' meeting, she mentioned.
The chief adviser on Thursday appointed the three special assistants with the rank of state minister under a new arrangement to ease the workload on the 11-member interim cabinet.
Source-http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/20080115447/country/-emergency-should-go-to-expedite-polls-process.html
The newly appointed special assistants to the chief adviser, Fakhruddin Ahmed, have stressed the need for lifting of the state of emergency to facilitate political activities ahead of general elections.
The special assistants, who assumed charges on Sunday, said the prime responsibility of the government was to hold the polls and pledged to extend all cooperation to this effect.
'The government should withdraw the state of emergency allowing political activities if the elections are to be conducted,' special assistant to posts and telecommunications ministry MA Malek told reporters at his secretariat office.
He said the emergency should be lifted within a reasonable time so that the political parties could start preparations for the polls.
'The country should be run by the politicians', the retired army official said when asked for comments on the present situation.
The special assistant in charge of telecommunications ministry said immediate steps would be taken to simplify the billing system of BTTB phones to rid the consumers of hassles.
Debashis Roy, who is in charge of the Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs, said the main task for the government was to hold the general elections besides carrying out routine activities of different ministries.
'The state of emergency should go as soon as possible,' said the ethnic minority leader while talking to reporters at his office in the secretariat.
He said the chief adviser had told him that all important activities of the CHT affairs ministry would go under his responsibility while things having political implications should be consulted with the chief adviser.
Asked about the demands of ethnic minorities for removing Bangali settlers from the hill tracts, Chakma Raja Debashis said the issue should be addressed from humanitarian point of view.
'I think everyone's right should be protected…How long they have been living there should not be a matter in the case of right protection…. We should look at the issue from human rights perspective.'
M Tamim, who is in charge of the energy and mineral resources division, said the government's main task was to conduct the polls and they [special assistants] would assist the administration in activities so that the elections could be held in time.
Earlier, the special assistants visited the national martyrs' memorial at Savar in the morning to pay homage to the martyrs of the liberation war.
The newly inducted primary and mass education adviser, Rasheda K Chowdhury, said that the state of emergency must be lifted. 'If the parties appeal to the government for lifting the emergency before initiating dialogue with them, the authorities will obviously consider it,' she said responding to reporters' queries.
The date and agenda for the proposed political dialogue would be set in the council of advisers' meeting, she mentioned.
The chief adviser on Thursday appointed the three special assistants with the rank of state minister under a new arrangement to ease the workload on the 11-member interim cabinet.
Source-http://www.independent-bangladesh.com/20080115447/country/-emergency-should-go-to-expedite-polls-process.html
Malek, Debashis think: Emergency should be lifted before general election
Two of the three Special Assistants to Chief Advisor observed that emergency should be lifted before holding the stalled general election as they think it is essential for fair polls.
They also hoped that the state of emergency would be withdrawn before the national elections.
Brig Gen (retd) MA Malek, assigned to the Post and
Tele-Communications Ministry, said the state of emergency should be gone for holding a free, fair and neutral election.
In this context, he referred to Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed's address to the nation. "The Chief Advisor yesterday said that the government is thinking about lifting the emergency and it would be withdrawn in appropriate time after consulting all," he said while talking at his Ministry.
About holding election, the CA's Special Assistants said the polls would be held as per announced roadmap-and it might be held even before the scheduled timeline. "The Election Commission is responsible for holding election and the commission is working in this regard. Government will ensure the suitable environment for holding election," he said.
Barrister Debashis Roy, who got the charge of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, also observed that emergency should be lifted before the election and hoped that the government would take necessary steps in this regard.
"Holding general election is the first challenge of the incumbent caretaker government and the government will hold it as early as possible," he said.
About dialogue with political parties, the Special Assistant noted that the Chief Advisor assured all of holding dialogue with political parties and they think that it would happen without delay.
Asked about his future plan, the Chakma Raja of hill-district Rangamati said people in the hill tracts face many problems and development of the hilly areas is his first mission.
"Land problem is the first problem of the ethnic people, and through consulting all, I will try to resolve this critical problem. Health, food, education and electricity are also major problems and I will give priority to solving these problems," said the monarch of the indigenous people at his Ministry.
Responding to a query about the implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, Debashis said many agreements in the CHT peace accord were yet not implemented and it would be resolved through discussion in the Council of Advisors.
The Special assistants today started their office at the Secretariat after the Chief Advisor appointed them Thursday with the rank of state minister, under a new arrangement aimed at enlarging the caucus of the caretaker government.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Communications Advisor Maj Gen (retd) Ghulam Quader said emergency would not be there even for an hour when it wouldn't be required.
Responding to a query about the timeframe of government's dialogue with the political parties, he said the government has decided to hold dialogue with the political parties and it would happen in suitable time.
About the agenda of the planned dialogue, the Communications Advisor said at his office at the Secretariat that the agenda would be settled after consulting all.
Source-http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/01/14/news0157.htm
They also hoped that the state of emergency would be withdrawn before the national elections.
Brig Gen (retd) MA Malek, assigned to the Post and
Tele-Communications Ministry, said the state of emergency should be gone for holding a free, fair and neutral election.
In this context, he referred to Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed's address to the nation. "The Chief Advisor yesterday said that the government is thinking about lifting the emergency and it would be withdrawn in appropriate time after consulting all," he said while talking at his Ministry.
About holding election, the CA's Special Assistants said the polls would be held as per announced roadmap-and it might be held even before the scheduled timeline. "The Election Commission is responsible for holding election and the commission is working in this regard. Government will ensure the suitable environment for holding election," he said.
Barrister Debashis Roy, who got the charge of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, also observed that emergency should be lifted before the election and hoped that the government would take necessary steps in this regard.
"Holding general election is the first challenge of the incumbent caretaker government and the government will hold it as early as possible," he said.
About dialogue with political parties, the Special Assistant noted that the Chief Advisor assured all of holding dialogue with political parties and they think that it would happen without delay.
Asked about his future plan, the Chakma Raja of hill-district Rangamati said people in the hill tracts face many problems and development of the hilly areas is his first mission.
"Land problem is the first problem of the ethnic people, and through consulting all, I will try to resolve this critical problem. Health, food, education and electricity are also major problems and I will give priority to solving these problems," said the monarch of the indigenous people at his Ministry.
Responding to a query about the implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, Debashis said many agreements in the CHT peace accord were yet not implemented and it would be resolved through discussion in the Council of Advisors.
The Special assistants today started their office at the Secretariat after the Chief Advisor appointed them Thursday with the rank of state minister, under a new arrangement aimed at enlarging the caucus of the caretaker government.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Communications Advisor Maj Gen (retd) Ghulam Quader said emergency would not be there even for an hour when it wouldn't be required.
Responding to a query about the timeframe of government's dialogue with the political parties, he said the government has decided to hold dialogue with the political parties and it would happen in suitable time.
About the agenda of the planned dialogue, the Communications Advisor said at his office at the Secretariat that the agenda would be settled after consulting all.
Source-http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/01/14/news0157.htm
Buddhist monk arrested in Khagrachari
POLICE HAVE REPORTEDLY ARRESTED REV. ARYA JOTI BHIKKHU, THE CHIEFPRIEST OF SARNATH ARANNYO KUTHIR IN KARALLYACHARI UNDER MAHALCHARIUPAZILLA IN KHAGRACHARI DISTRICT.
He was arrested by police personnel from Maischari police barrack afew hours ago from his Kuthir or cottage. No further details areavailable.
Earlier, yesterday the civil administration officials ordered theKuthir authority to stop its uplift work that had been going on forthe last two months.
The government also banned a religious event scheduled for 25 Januaryat the Kuthir.
Source from:- Hill Watch Human Rights Forum
He was arrested by police personnel from Maischari police barrack afew hours ago from his Kuthir or cottage. No further details areavailable.
Earlier, yesterday the civil administration officials ordered theKuthir authority to stop its uplift work that had been going on forthe last two months.
The government also banned a religious event scheduled for 25 Januaryat the Kuthir.
Source from:- Hill Watch Human Rights Forum
Monday, December 10, 2007
UNPO Celebrates International Day of Human Rights
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
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
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