Human Rights Day: No Meaning for the Chakmas of Arunachal

By Tejang Chakma

Image: Cooperation for Development

Every year, December 10 is observed as International Human Rights Day. Across the world, the day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) established in 1948. In the Preamble, governments commit themselves and their people to progressive measures which secure the universal and effective recognition and observance of the human rights set out in the UDHR.

In India, there is nothing to rejoice about. Just a day before, at least 90 people have lost their lives when a fire broke out in a hospital in Kolkata while accessing medical care. The other day, the Government of India exposed its intent to curb the internet freedom.

Image: Hope Development Org

The overall status of human rights remained dismal across the country. The plethora of laws for the protection of human rights is only in paper. In particular, vulnerable groups like Dalits, indigenous/tribal peoples, women, children, minorities, continued to face gross human rights violations.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Chakmas and Hajongs are yet to realise their human rights. Even after more than four decades since they were settled in the state, they remained stateless till date. In the absence of a permanent political settlement of the Chakma and Hajong issue, the Chakma and Hajong community continue to be deprived from their fundamental rights.

In a welcome development, on 10 August 2010 the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) constituted a Four Party Committee consisting of the MHA, the state government of Arunachal Pradesh, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and the Committee for the Citizenship Rights of the Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh (CCRCHAP) to find a lasting solution to the long pending issue. However, even after more than a year not a single meeting could be held.

The lack of citizenship has been the primary reason for their pathetic socio-economic conditions and lack of development. 

Article 26 of the UDHR says “Everyone has the right to education.” However, for the Chakma children accessing education, in particular secondary education, is difficult due to lack of high schools.  During this current academic session, at least 88 Chakma students are not given admission to secondary schools after passing out elementary schooling.

Consequently, the right to education of these Chakma children is blatantly violated, resulting in their future being uncertain.

The Human Rights Day comes and goes, but the wait for their rights is unending