January 11, 2007
The AFSPA issue is likely to discussed during the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which is convening its 37th session from January 15 to February 2, 2007. This was disclosed by an Imphal based Human Rights Alert group. According to the group the UN Committee asked India government on how Security Council Resolution 1325 is being implemented in the country and how gender perspectives are being mainstreamed in military operations in `disturbed area` and conflict areas. The Committee also asked the Indian government the details of military personnel prosecuted under the Army Act. India in its report Link below) submitted as a response contends that Indian army has an excellent track record of protecting women and civilians and that the Army has systematic education, training and sensitization in human rights are done in all ranks of Indian Army both during pre-commission and post-commission training. Adequate emphasis on gender sensitization, constitutional rights and importance of human rights is placed on all important training schools and counter terrorism/counter insurgency courses, report claimed and mentioned various actions taken up by Indian Armed forces in this regard. Further it says that since India is not in any "armed conflict" therefore Security Council Resolution 1325 relating to Women in armed conflict in not applicable to India.
What is disturbing about India's response is its committment to protect their security forces even when gross human rights have been committed. Despite evidence documented in many cases indicting the armed forces and the police, the Indian government steadfastly denies their prosecution. It is well known that in any conflict women and children are the most adversly affected. Indian government's denial of excesses also means an effective denial of respite to the aggrieved. To set the wrongs right Indian government must first admit that the armed forces and the police have been guilty of murder, rape and torture and then set in motion their prosecution according to tha law of land.
The AFSPA issue is likely to discussed during the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which is convening its 37th session from January 15 to February 2, 2007. This was disclosed by an Imphal based Human Rights Alert group. According to the group the UN Committee asked India government on how Security Council Resolution 1325 is being implemented in the country and how gender perspectives are being mainstreamed in military operations in `disturbed area` and conflict areas. The Committee also asked the Indian government the details of military personnel prosecuted under the Army Act. India in its report Link below) submitted as a response contends that Indian army has an excellent track record of protecting women and civilians and that the Army has systematic education, training and sensitization in human rights are done in all ranks of Indian Army both during pre-commission and post-commission training. Adequate emphasis on gender sensitization, constitutional rights and importance of human rights is placed on all important training schools and counter terrorism/counter insurgency courses, report claimed and mentioned various actions taken up by Indian Armed forces in this regard. Further it says that since India is not in any "armed conflict" therefore Security Council Resolution 1325 relating to Women in armed conflict in not applicable to India.
What is disturbing about India's response is its committment to protect their security forces even when gross human rights have been committed. Despite evidence documented in many cases indicting the armed forces and the police, the Indian government steadfastly denies their prosecution. It is well known that in any conflict women and children are the most adversly affected. Indian government's denial of excesses also means an effective denial of respite to the aggrieved. To set the wrongs right Indian government must first admit that the armed forces and the police have been guilty of murder, rape and torture and then set in motion their prosecution according to tha law of land.
News Reference
http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=35774&typeid=1
India's Report
http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N05/572/16/PDF/N0557216.pdf?OpenElement
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