Awareness program on “Human rights and the role of State Human Rights Commission in its better protection” was organised by Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) in collaboration with Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and Kohima law College on August 24 at auditorium hall, Kohima law college.
During the panel discussion, NSLSA panel lawyer, advocate Nagali Shohe informed that the “Protection of Human Rights Act 1993,” stated that individuals possess human rights from the moment of conception in their mother’s womb.
She also pointed out the significant delay in Nagaland’s implementation of the Protection of Human Rights Act 1993, noting that the state only became serious about adopting this legislation after the NHRC took a suo motu case on the Oting incident in 2021.
NSLSA Retainer Lawyer, advocate Apila Sangtam, spoke on “An Overview of Legal Services”. She highlighted that legal aid scheme was first introduced by Justice P.N Bhagwati under the Legal Aid Committee formed in 1971. Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides that the state shall secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity. Article 14 and 22(1) also makes it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law and legal system which promotes justice on a basis of equal opportunity to all
She highlighted the schemes under the act: NALSA (victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation) scheme 2015, NALSA (legal services to the workers in the unorganised sector) scheme 2015, NALSA (child friendly legal services to children and their protection) scheme 2015, NALSA (legal services to the mentally ill and mentally disabled persons) scheme 2015, NALSA (effective implementation of poverty alleviation) scheme 2015, NALSA (protection and enforcement of tribal rights) scheme 2015, NALSA (legal services to the victims of drug abuse and eradication of drug menace) scheme 2015, NALSA (legal services to victim of disaster)scheme 2016, NALSA (legal services to victims of acid attacks) scheme 2016, NALSA (legal services to senior) scheme 2016.
In his keynote address, NSHRC chairman, Justice S. Serto, stated that law is paramount as the country operates under its governance. He encouraged students to become avid readers and highlighted the severe impact of the drug problem in the Northeast, particularly in Nagaland. He pointed out that Manipur experiences a massive drug trade, generating around seven thousand crores a year, and that much of it passes through Nagaland, ensnaring the region in the drug crisis.
Justice Serto urged students not to turn a blind eye but to work diligently toward solutions. He emphasized the need for strict measures and necessary changes. He shared insights from discussions with police officers, noting that cooperation from the public is often challenging, and this lack of collaboration leads to setbacks.
He emphasized that the public must cooperate with the police, highlighting that the vast amounts of money involved, allowing traffickers and drug cartels to corrupt anyone. He mentioned plans to organize seminars with societal stakeholders, stating that everyone has a responsibility to uphold good laws and maintain checks.
The students present were encouraged to assist lawmakers in identifying what is right and wrong. He also shared his own journey of how he became involved in law.
He concluded by stressing the need for better infrastructure and the effective functioning of the Human Rights Commission in Nagaland.
NSHRC member, R. Nzanbemo Lotha, Member delivered the welcome address. He said that One of the reasons for having this awareness program on human rights is to inform that the state now have SHRC and another reason is to ignite the research minds and provoke the thoughts of professors, scholars and the young upcoming Lawyers in the field of Human Rights and its importance.
He said we should know our rights and their corresponding duties as a responsible citizen. And As much as we protect, promote our rights and to prevent their violations and must also learnt do the same for our fellow human beings of their rights. “We all can be a Human Rights Defenders, irrespective of wherever and whatever we are” he added.
He said since its establishment, the Commission has taken up several cases on a complaint filed before it, and in some cases, taken up Suo moto, relating to violation of human rights and failure to prevent their violations. The cases taken includes custodial, death, alleged highhandedness of law enforcing agencies, delay payment of pension and salary, unregulated and illegal mining cases, cases relate to killing of fellow human being, cases relating to right to education, health and food etc.
Kohima Law College asst. professor, David pronounced the vote of thanks. KDLSA panel lawyer, Cherry Ovung chaired the program and KLC EU president, Ronit said the invocation prayer.