The Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR), in collaboration with the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MPCCR), observed International Human Rights Day at the Manipur Press Club today. The event featured a presidium of notable participants, including Khaidem Mani, former Chairperson of the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC); Keisham Pradip, Chairman of MPCCR; Joy Chingakham, a human rights defender; Kangujam Ranjit, President of FIDAM and various activists and academicians.

During the observance, Keisham Pradip shed light on critical human rights challenges in Manipur, particularly the impact of prolonged internet bans and curfews, which he said violate basic human rights. He emphasized that ensuring justice and protecting civil, political, and human rights are key to restoring peace in the state. He appealed to the government to uphold the rights of all communities equitably and without discrimination.

Highlighting the plight of nearly 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing conflict, Pradip called on authorities to prioritize their welfare. He stressed the need to provide adequate necessities in relief camps and facilitate the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes. “Arranging for the safe return of IDPs would be a meaningful way to observe International Human Rights Day,” Pradip remarked.

Pradip also share concerns that the government’s priority should be to protect civilians, especially women and children; and lamented the rising prices of essential commodities, describing these as significant violations of human rights. He urged both state and central governments to ensure justice and protection for all affected communities.

Referring to the recent Jiribam tragedy, where three women and three minors, including an eight-month-old infant, were taken hostage and later killed, Pradip outlined the MPCCR’s response. After learning of the abduction, the MPCCR issued urgent appeals for the hostages’ safe release. Following the discovery of their deaths, the MPCCR sought the intervention of the National Women’s Commission (NWC) and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) to safeguard the rights of women and children in the region.

Pradip assured that efforts to secure justice for the affected children are ongoing, with an MPCCR team, led by Pradip, visiting Jiribam to assess conditions among children from all communities impacted by violence.