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Briefing Papers Impact of War on Terrorism on the Human Rights Situation in South Asia
South Asian countries, which have traditionally adopted harsh measures to silence political dissent did not lose the opportunity provided by the post-September 11 scenario and joined the bandwagon of combating terrorism and legitimising some of their activities, which in the first place breed terrorism and violence. The measures taken by the governments of the South Asian region indicates a gradual erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law across the region.
This paper (presented by Ravi Nair to the South Asia Civil Society Consultation organised by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kathmandu, Nepal, 16 - 19 January 2003) does a brief survey of the anti-terrorism measures taken by the governments of the South Asian countries and explains the issue of due process of law in anti-terror measures taken at the international level. Price: Indian Rupees 50
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2002 Democracy and Peace: The inextricable link This report briefly outlines some of the considerable political and procedural concerns for ensuring free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir. It presents the history of election malfeasance, examines the current context of election preparation, and provides the standards that the Government of India must meet to protect the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to take part in the conduct of public affairs through the election of public officials. The report was prepared with the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections of September 2002 in mind. However, the issues covered and the recommendations made are applicable to all future elections, in Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere. Price: Indian Rupees 250 Accountability
and Impunity: Chasing a Mirage in Jammu and Kashmir This briefing paper is an overall assessment of the human rights situation on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir for the period May 1999 to July 2002. The report documents human rights abuses in the State and suggests ways to protect the rights of people, providing pointers to the State Government and to the Government of India. This paper is an executive summary of a more comprehensive report to be released shortly. Price: Indian Rupees 150 The
Right Against Handcuffing Arrestees in India are often physically restrained in
the name of security. Mandatory handcuffing has been held by the Supreme Court
as violation of Article 21 of the Constitution. International law also
addresses the issue of handcuffing. The lack of opposition from the legal
profession and civil society is the result of attempts by the police to have
handcuffing made mandatory. This report aims to provide that missing voice
to make the case that mandatory handcuffing is not only unnecessary and
inhumane, but also illegal. Price: Indian Rupees 200
Counter-report
to the VHP’s application for ECOSOC status The
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a key element of India’s right-wing Hindu
fundamentalist movement, has applied for for General Consultative Status with
the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This
paper contends that the VHP is not eligible for ECOSOC status. The
organisation has been instrumental in instigating and carrying out violent
attacks, destruction of property and religious monuments, forced conversions
and other activities targeted against Muslim and Christians minority groups.
Its actions violate a number of domestic and international laws. It does not
fulfil the principles and spirit of the UN Charter upon which ECOSOC’s work
is founded. SAHRDC suggests that ECOSOC consider the severity of these
violations when it reviews the VHP’s application. The report presents the history and philosophy of VHP; provides an account of violence committed against Muslims and Christians; and explains the roots of the Hindu fundamentalist movement and the methods utilised by the VHP to further its agenda. Price: Indian Rupees 200
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