DIMAPUR, Mar 1 � An interactive programme on International Humanitarian Law and Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958 (AFSPA) with special reference to Nagaland was held in Kohima today.
Social activists Kaka D Iralu and Neidonuo Angami were the resource persons of the programme, which was jointly organised by Kekhrie Foundation, YARD, Zion Welfare Society and Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre with support from North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF).
Iralu, who presented a paper on �Violations of International Humanitarian Laws with specific reference to Nagaland context�, opined that international humanitarian rights are adopted by recognised nations at their own advantage and negate the aspirations of unrecognised nations such as the �Naga nation�. Stating while human rights violations have been occurring in Naga-inhabited areas ever since the Naga political consciousness for self-determination started, Iralu pointed out that such violations were often not known to the outside world. He shared about the realities of AFSPA which have threatened the very social fabric of the Nagas for the past sixty years ignoring the existence of the International Humanitarian Laws.
Former Naga Mothers� Association president Neidonuo Angami presented a paper on �Violation of International Humanitarian Laws with special emphasis on women and child rights in Nagaland context�. She highlighted that the main concerns around women�s rights are the increasing violence against women in the Naga society such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, lack of access to equal opportunities in education, work, inheritance and other privileges, inaccessibility and lack of participation in decision making processes, and people who violate women�s rights are often left punished.
On child rights, she listed out several necessary child rights which should be ensured, such as right to basic needs like shelter, food & safe environment, right to education and social rights.
