MESSAGE: INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DAY 2008

Today is 11 December. Our ifop do observe the International Mountain Day as a mark of respect to all highlanders, mountain lovers and the UNO. It is our rare opportunity to create a message about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands.

It was the UN General Assembly who designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as 'International Mountain Day'. This decision results from the success of the UN International Year of Mountains in 2002, which increased global awareness of the importance of mountains, stimulated the establishment of national committees in 78 countries and strengthened alliances through promoting the creation of the International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions, known as the 'Mountain Partnership (WSSD, Johannesburg, 2 September 2002). FAO was the designated lead coordinating agency for International Year of Mountains and is mandated to lead observance of International Mountain Day. This is the a brief history of how the Mountain Day came into being on earth with a mandate of the UNO.
Our UNO has been observing the day every year for the last 5 years with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development. The theme for the International Mountain Day 2008 is "Food Security in Mountains". Harsh climates and the difficult, often inaccessible, terrain combined with political and social marginality make mountain people vulnerable to food shortages. Now food prices are soaring worldwide and increased transportation costs to Remote Mountain areas mean that mountain communities are paying much more for their food. The problem of hunger in mountains is getting worse.

This year's International Mountain Day provides an apt occasion to reflect on how hard it is for mountain people to consistently get adequate and nutritious food to lead healthy and active lives. It draws attention to the special food security needs of mountain communities that have to be taken into account in the development of mountain-specific strategies and policies.

We have collected the following website for our public awareness: www.fao.org/mnts/intl_mountain_day_en.asp.
For any further information or specific questions related to this year's theme, please contact Claudia Veith (claudia.veith@fao.org) or Paolo Ceci (paolo.ceci@fao.org).
In the follow-up to the International Mountain Day 2008 please do not forget to send a report about the celebrations of the Day in your country or institution to:
José Antonio Prado Director, Forest Management Division Fax: +39-06-57055 137E-mail: mailto:mountain-day@fao.org

Recent studies indicate that mountain populations suffer from high rates of micronutrient deficiencies, which is one of the contributing factors to the significantly higher infant mortality rates in mountain regions. Now food prices are soaring worldwide and increased transportation costs to remote mountain areas mean mountain communities are paying that much more for their food.

It is an apt occasion to reflect on how hard it is for mountain people to consistently get adequate and nutritious food to lead healthy and active lives. Priorities for improving food security in mountains include promoting and expanding traditional mountain crops; safeguarding indigenous land use practices; improving breeding programmes of mountain-adapted livestock; better market access; and mountain-specific public policy, developed with the participation of mountain people.

Let us share our thoughts how to lift up the people living in the mountains for centuries safeguarding our national boundaries. God may bless their children for a brighter future with the help of their national government.

God bless!

Thank you all.

Dr R R Sanabam
President, ifop

REPORT OF 16 NOVEMBER, 2008 FUNCTION

On 16 November 2008, International Day for Tolerance was observed at the BICPAJ Conference Room, Iqbal Road, Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Rev. Bijoyshree Bhikku, blessed the function as Chief Guest and lit the candle to bring peace on earth. Bro. Jarlath D’Souza, CSC, Secretary of the BICPAJ was the chairperson.

The President of the organisation Dr. Robert Renatus Sanabam read out his ‘Welcome Address.’ Dr. Sanabam welcomed wormly the dhief guest and others present for their valuable time. He said that India is a signatory nation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and have to tolerate the rightful claim of the Manipuri people for their Right to Self determination. He further mentioned that the increasing unrest and the violation of human rights throughout the globe has threatened the consolidation of peace and Democracy. He also appealed the member states to take the main responsibilities to respect human rights and fundamental freedom for all. He insisted the importance of tolerance in bringing peace and social progress in all respects. He said “without tolerance there can be no peace, and without peace there can be no development or democracy.” He told that it has the right to be different for all individuals and groups and everybody should commit to tolerance more than before. He continued that man should be provided systematic education to negate intolerance in the society. Finally he concluded we all should equally work to implement properly the individual rights, political rights such as right to self determination.

Then the Secretary General Sir Dayaito Luwang read out his Report on the observation of UNITED NATIONS DAY on 24 October and the meeting of the International Committee of ifop held on 24 October, 2008. He read out the resolutions adopted in the meeting.

The next talker was the Vice President Mr. S. Sotyendra Mangang. He read out in Bangla Language. He conveyed a message to the meeting that with intolerance the world could be destroyed in a second. Everybody loves their own lives and afraid of immediate death penalty or hurt in the hands of an intolerant man. He appealed to the audience to be a tolerant and to preserve peace and harmony in this world.

The Secretary General read out his paper. He said, “Tolerance is the need of the hour, without tolerance there will be no peace in this world, if we want to decrease social problems, it is inevitable to increase social awareness of practicing tolerance with education.”

Mr Pari Chingtham, Member of International Committee, ifop presented his paper. He clearly told that tolerance is greatly emphasized by all religions and everyone should cultivate by heart and soul from childhood. He also condemned seriously the oppression of indigenous people and minorities across the world including the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He also expressed his unwanted plea of enforcing the Armed Forces Special Power Acts, 1958 (AFSPA) in Manipur and other North-East states of India.

In the next move Ms Mercy Sanabam, Secretary Finance, ifop, delivered his paper “Financial Tolerance”. She said that the risk level of tolerance depends on the planning of the investor or stock broker. If one wants to reduce the risk level of tolerance he or she should plan properly by taking time and using right strategy. Finally she emphasized on saving money to achieve long term or short term financial goals and to contribute money to the organization voluntarily to achieve the aims of the organization.

Rev. Bijoyshree Bhikku finally delivered his valuable speech relating to the celebration and also mentioned precious teachings of Gautama Buddha. Peace will be attained only after we are free from the illusion of worldly pleasure. Budha taught Five Aggregate and Eight Fold Path.

Then Bro. Jarlath D’Souza, CSC delivered his valuable speech. In his speech he supported the organization. He compared the Manipur issue with the Chittagong Hill Tract. He also narrated his valuable experiences of the Chakma people in the Hill Tract.

President of the organization delivered his Vote of Thanks. Rev. Bijoyshree Bhikku closed the function after saying a chain prayer.

We had then light refreshment with water and apples. After the refreshment we departed.

Mr Leon Sanabam took photographs of the occasion.

The meeting started from 6 pm sharp and closed at 8 pm. Mercy Sanabam conducted the meeting.

Sir Dayaito Luwang
Secretary General, ifop

THREE REPORTS INCLUDING FOUNDATION DAY OF FOP BANGLADESH, KAMALGONJ, MOULVIBAZAR

Reports of the Fellowship of Peace, Bangladesh (fop Bangladesh)

Report of 3 December 2008:

On 3rd December 2008, the First Meeting of FELLOWSHIP OF PEACE, BANGLADESH (fop Bangladesh) was held at Kamalgonj, Moulvibazar District at the residence of Konthoujam Churachand. Mr S. Sotyendro Mangang, the Vice President of ifop was the Chairperson and Sir Dayaito Luwang, Secretary General, ifop conducted the meeting. It was the first and foremost IFOP Branch. It was the Foundation Day of the fop, Bangladesh.
The Vice President, ifop and the Secretary General, ifop convinced the aims and objectives of the ifop to the members who attended the meeting. After that we altogether realized the necessity of opening a branch of the ifop, the Fellowship of Peace, Bangladesh to carry out the task of ifop together hand in hand at the grass root level in Bangladesh.
The meeting was reminded the resolutions of the third meeting of the International Fellowship of Peace which held at the BICPAJ, Conference Hall, Dhaka and resolved the following agenda unanimously:

1. To establish an Institute of Peace and Language in the area.
2. To meet again to create the infra structure of the Institute at the residence of H. Tarunkumar of Adampur Bazar at 7 pm on 7 December 2008.
3. To consider the following items in the next meeting:
i) To select a board to govern the institute.
ii) To choose the name and the selection of the location.
iii) To discuss on fund drive.
iv) To select office bearers of Fellowship of Peace, Bangladesh
v) To discuss on Misc. items

The meeting was started at 7 pm and closed at 9 pm sharp. We departed after having a cup of tea.
The following members attended:
1. S. Sotyendra Mangang, ifop Vice President
2. Sir Dayaito Luwang., ifop Secretary General
3. N. Lokhendro,
4. Th. Devendro Kumar,
5. K. Munindro,
6. Ch. Bidyamoni,
7. A. Hemanta,

Report of 7 December 2008:

The second meeting of the ifop Branch was held on 7 December 2008 at the residence of H. Tarunkumar. Mr. Sotyendra Mangang chaired the meeting and Sir Dayaito Luwang conducted the meeting.

The meeting adopted the following resolutions unanimously:

i) Membership fee was fixed at Tk. 25.
ii) The name of the institute will be “SANTI AMASUNG MAYEKI SINDAMSANG” and the location was decided at Adampur, Tetoigao, hiring the house of Tarunkumar at Tk. 500 per month.
iii) To raise fund by charity and voluntary aptitude.
iv) To collect donations from members and the the public.
v) To observe UN HUMAN RIGHTS DAY on 10 December 2008 at the resident of H. Tarunkumar.
vi) To elect office bearers.
vii) To introduce in the Institute 'Meetei Mayek Text Books' as prescribed by the Manipur Board in India.
viii) To open an account with a recognised bank in the locality for the fop, Bangladesh.
ix) The following members promised to donate per month the amount shown against each of them:
1. S. Sotyendra Tk. 200
2. Sir Dayaito Tk. 200
3. H. Munindro Tk. 200
4. Ch. Bidyamoni Tk. 500
5. N. Lokhendro Tk. 100
6. Torun Tk. 100
7. Th. Deben Tk. 50
8. A Hemanta Tk. 100
9. Anil Singh Tk. 50
10. Dutta Tk. 100

Sir Dayaito Luwang donated Tk. 2000 (Two thousand) to maintain the newly formed organization on behalf of himself but to be on behalf of the ifop only after the approval of the ifop President.

The meeting started from 7 pm sharp and closed at 9 pm. Altogether 15 members were present.

Report of 10 December 2008:

On 10 December 2008, Fellowship of Peace Bangladesh observed “International Human Rights Day” at the residence of Tarunkumar. S. Sotyendra Mangang chaired the meeting.
S. Sotyendra Mangang, Vice President, ifop, delivered his welcome address in Bangla by reading out a paper. He said Human Rights are very much essential things that all of us have to know. The masses must spare their valuable time to protect their rights from the violators. He also appealed the Manipuri people to make a united effort to lift up the financial conditions and Manipuri culture, which is dying day by day.

After him Sir Dayaito Luwang read out his paper in Manipuri named “Meeoibagee Phangpham Thokpa(Hak)”. He mentioned all the thirty articles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights Text in Manipuri and explained them one by one. Finally he insisted to the gathering to know thoroughly our rights and to protect ourselves and respect the other’s rights also to live in the world peacefully and with harmony.

Next talker was Mr Ch. Bidyamani, member of International Fellowship of Peace. He said in Manipuri many valuable things about human rights. It included Manipuris' Right to Self determination. The function was closed after the vote of thanks given by S. Sotyendra Mangang, Vice president of ifop. The meeting started from 10 am sharp as conducted by Sir Dayaito Luwang, Secretary General ifop.

After the celebration of International Human Rights Day the meeting was continued for the election of office bearers of FELLOWSHIP OF PEACE, BANGLADESH. The meeting elected the following 7 persons to be office bearers for the period 2009 to 2014:

1. President- Md. Jamal Uddin ( Botha)
2. General Secretary- A. Hemanta
3. Finance Secretary- Anil
4. Member- Tarun
5. Member- Seleiton
6. Member- N. Lokhendro.
7. Member- Budha.

In the meeting 12 members participated and all of them summited their prescribed membership forms along with membership fee. The meeting was closed at 1 pm sharp and departed.

Sir Dayaito Luwang
Secretary General, ifop

ইন্টারনেশনেল ফেলোশীপ অফ পিস (ifop)

শরৎতের এই পড়ন- বিকেলের মনিপুরি জাতির ঐতিহাসিক এইদিনে অদ্যকার মহতি অনুষ্টানের মান্যবর চেয়ারপারসন উপসি'ত শ্রদ্ধেয় গুরুজন সম্মানিত ভাই ও বোনেরা শ্রেণীভেদে আমার সালাম , আদাব, নমস্কার ।অর্থবিত্ত যদি কোন ব্যক্তির শ্রেষ্টত্বেও প্রমান না হয় তাহলে কেবল অর্থবিত্ত কোন জাতির শ্রেষ্টত্বের মাপকাঠি হতে পারেনা । শ্রেষ্টত্বেও মাপকাঠি বহুমাত্রিক। উন্নত সাংস্কৃতিক ঐতিহ্য তার অন্যতম । উন্নত সাংস্কৃতিক উত্তরাধিকার একটি জাতিগোষ্ঠীর উন্নত মননশীলতার স্বাকখর বহন করে। প্রান-বাসী মনিপুরি জনগোষ্ঠী যুগ যুগ ধরে যে উন্নত সাংস্কৃতিক ঐতিহ্য, সৃজন, লালন , ধারন ও বহন করে চলেছে । মনিপুরি নৃত্য কলা উপমহাদেশের ঐতিহ্যের এক অমূল্য সংযোজন। যে জাতি জগৎকে এমন মহামূল্য মনিহার উপহার দিতে পারে সেই জাতিকে খাটো করে দেখা একেবারে সমীচিন নয়। সমাজ সাংস্কৃতিকর এক শিক্‌্রানবীশ শিক্‌খার্থী হিসাবে আমি কেবল নিত্য নতুন ঐতিহাসিক ঘটনা প্রবাহ ও বাস-বতার নিরীক্‌েখ সত্য উদঘাটনের স্পৃহা অনেক আগে থেকেই । তাই শিকড়ের সন্ধ্যানে অনুসন্ধিৎসার জালে জড়িয়ে পরেছে। ঐতিহাসিক ঘটনা প্রবাহে এক সন্ধিখনে মনিপরিদের নিজস্ব রাষ্ট্র মনিপুর ছেড়ে বিশ্বের বিভিন্ন জায়গায় সরিয়ে পড়ে। ব্রর্ম্মা মনিপুর যুদ্ধ এর প্রেক্‌খাপদ হিসাবে উল্লেখ্য করা যায়। প্রায় তিনশত বৎসর যাবৎ বাংলাদেশে মনিপুরীদের বসবাস। ভ্রাতৃ প্রতিম জনগনের সাথে সুখে দুখে অংশিদারিত্ব হয়ে আজ বাংলাদেশের মনিপুরীরা পরিপূর্ণ ভাবে বাংলাদেশী এবং বাংলাদেশের নাগরিক। পরমপরিক্রমায় মনিপুর বাজ্য রাজতন্ত্র্র অবিধায় অভিসিক্ত ছিল । পর পর ৮৬ জন রাজা রাজ সিংহাসনে বসে রাজ্য শাসনের উজ্জ্বল ইতিহাস মনিপুরীদের রয়েছে। ১৮৯১ খৃ: এ্যাংলো মনিপুর যুদ্ধে মনিপুরীরা পরাজিত হয়ে বৃটিশ কলোনীর ছত্র ছায়ায় দাসত্বের জীবন অতিবাহিত করার পর ১৯২৬ খ্র: আবার নিজস্ব স্বাধীনতা ফিরে পায়। ১৯৪৯ সালের ১৫ই অক্টোবর দূর্বল এক মুর্হুতে জোর পূর্বক ইন্ডিয়ান কলোনীতে অনর্-ভূক্ত করেন। ইতিহাসে সেই নির্মম ১৫ই অক্টোবরকে ুরভড়ঢ়চ বিবেক জাগ্রত দিবস হিসেবে পরিচিতি দিতে চাই। যদিও মনিপুরের বিভিন্ন রাজনীতি অঙ্গ সংগঠন দিনটিকে কাল দিবস হিসেবে আক্‌খায়ীত করেছেন। পরম পুজনীয় অহিংসার স্রষ্টা জাতীর জনক, ভারত বাসীর ধূমকেতু উজ্জ্বল নক্‌থত্রের দেশে ৫০ বৎসর ধরে আর্ম স্পেশাল পাওয়ার এ্যাক্ট প্রর্বতন করে মনিপুরের নিরীহ প্রজাদেরকে গণহত্যা চালিয়ে গান্ধিজির অহিংসার আদর্শকে পদদলিত করেছে যা আদৌ কাম্য নয়। ১৫ই অক্টোবরের মনিপুরের নিরীহ জণগন সমৃদ্ধশালী, আইনের শাসন , সভ্যতা উন্নত সাংষকৃতির এবং আরও অনেক কিছু আশা করেছিল । পরিনামে প্রায় ২৫ হাজার ণিরীহ জনগন গনহত্যার স্বীকার - এবং প্রতিনিয়ত আইন বতিভূত হত্যাকান্ড, ধর্ষন, রাহাজানি, ক্রসফায়ারের নামক ভয়ংকর মানবতা ও মানবাধিকার বিরোধী কার্য়কলাপ মনিপুরবাসীকে ভাবিয়ে তুলেছে যাহা আনর্-জাতিক অঙ্গনে গ্রহণ যোগ্যতা নেই। মনিপুর বাসী নতুন করে স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামে জরিয়ে পড়েনি তারা শুধু হারানো সার্বভেীমত্ব ফিরে পেতে চাই। আজ সেই ঐতিহাসিক ১৫ই অক্টোবর ( ১৯৪৯ ) মনিপুরীরা কালো দিবস হিসাবে আথ্যায়িত করেছে আমরা ifopুবিবেক জাগ্রত দিবস” হিসাবে পরিচিতি দিতে চাই। আজকের এই শুভ দিনে ifop রাষ্ট্র , সরকার, স্বাধীনতাকামী উভয় পকখকে মানবতা ও মানবাধিকার পরিপন'ী সকল কার্য বন্ধসহ নিরীহ জনগণের জীবন রকখার আহব্বান জানাচ্ছি । ifop শানি-তে বিশ্বাসী । শানি-র প্রহরী হিসাবে আনর্-জাতিক আইনে স্বীকৃত সকল আন্দোলনকারীকে শ্রদ্ধা করি , স্বাগত জানাই । অহিংসা আন্দোলনে জীবন উৎসর্গ করতে দ্বিধাবোধ করব না । বিশ্ব শানি- কামনায় ifop।

ধন্যবাদ

শোরেনশংবম সত্যেন
ভাইস প্রেসিডেন্ট, ifop

RELIGION AND PEACE

Religion is simply a discipline of peace, an ideology of peace. Someone is very aptly remarked that religion is peace and peace is religion. Without peace there is no religion. And also, without religion there is no peace. I hope that these discussions and consultations produce something very substantial, which will prove helpful in the building of a peaceful world I hope and pray that there will emerge some practical formula towards peace. God willing, we shall be able to contribute something very constructive for the betterment of humanity.

The theory of religion or doctrine emerged to organize the unruly negative nature of human beings and to lead to the civilize manner of society. In these theories Peace is inherent when it becomes birth. No religion has ever taught of destruction or annihilation of human beings. Every doctrine is base on Peace, Love and Service. But nowadays the spiritual nature of religion is converted into political game-plan by some politicians and it stained true faces of religion.

Now I would like to give a brief description of the major religions of the world. Let’s take Hinduism first, as it is the most ancient religion. Everyone who has studied Hinduism will agree that Hinduism in itself is a philosophy of peace. The basic concept of Hinduism is that Truth is one and that different religions are only different manifestations of the same truth. The concept was termed by a great religious scholar Sarwa Dharma Sambhawa. So Hinduism is nothing but a philosophy of peace. Some scholars like Arnold Toynbee have pointed out that this concept of Hinduism generates a spirit of mutual coexistence. It is a philosophy of live and let live. As the great Hindu philosopher Vivekananda put it. “Follow one, hate none.” This kind of respect is just another name for peaceful living.

Now take the case of Christianity. Christianity is also a religion of peace. That is why Christianity has gained such great popularity. And now it enjoys the status of the greatest religion numerically. As you know, Jesus Christ said: “I tell you not to resist an evil person. Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” It means that the Christian formula for peace is unilateral accommodation. According to this saying of Jesus Christ, you yourself have to adjust in the face of any controversy.

Now take the case of Sufism and Sikhism. Both these traditions are very similar to each other. The essence of both these traditions is love, compassion and peace. A Sufi poet has described this beautifully in a Persian couplet which translates thus:
“We do not know the stories of kings and generals. We know only the stories of love, compassion and peace.”

I will give here an example from Islamic history. One day, in Madinah, the Prophet of Islam noticed a funeral procession passing along the street. The Prophet stood up in deference. A companion of the Prophet remarked at this: “O Prophet, you know it was the funeral of a Jew that is a Non-Muslim.” The Prophet replied: “(alaisat nafasan) was he not a human being?” It shows that in the Prophet’s vision everyone was a human being. He saw everyone on an equal plane. Thus, according to Islam, everyone deserves equal respect. Everyone is a creature of God. One can say, therefore, that according to this brief description, the formula for peace according to Hinduism is mutual coexistence. And formula for peace according to Buddhism and Jainism is non-violence, or no violence. The Christian formula for peace is based on the concept of unilateral adjustment, while the Sufi formula for peace is love for all. And the Islamic formula for peace is respect for all. And Sanamahi formula for peace is to know one’s own soul and respect the other soul.

In the complete sense of the word Islam is a religion of peace. Even the name of Islam connotes peace. You know the root word of Islam is Silm. Silm in Arabic means peace. One of God’s names is Salam, and Salam means peace. The Qur’an mentions itself as barakah. The Prophet of Islam is described as Rahamah. And barakah and rahamah are only other names for peace. That is, peace is basic to Islam. Islamic living is in peace. All the teachings of Islam are oriented towards peace.

All the religion taught peace to humanity but why men who adopt the religion are so aggressive to fight each other? The answer is that there is a wide gape among the religious leaders. Without the integration among the religious leaders there will be no peace in this world.

We ifop, appeal to the religious leaders to bring the spiritual integration among themselves to bring the world in peace and harmony.

Sir Dayaito Luwang
Secretary General, ifop

2008: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY ON EDUCATION

WELCOME ADDRESS: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2008

‘Human Rights Education’

First of all I welcome our Respected Chief Guest Associate Professor Begum Sharifulnessa, Respected Guest of Honours, Members and Invitees on this auspicious occasion of the observation of Human Rights Day 2008. The theme of our organisation of the next year is ‘human rights education.’ Therefore I give very shortly certain important hints on it. Our branches are going to take up special programs for it.

Introduction: We all now understand what are ‘human rights’ and why these rights are not still universal. The term, ‘Human rights education’ comes from the Declaration. We have to redefine human rights and rewrite its history, theory, and law for schools, institutions and the general public. The UN aimed to promote all the rights and freedoms of the Declaration by reaching every individual and every organ of the society.

Human Rights Education: It shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups and shall further the activities of the UN for the maintenance of peace, language, human values and culture. The UN in 1993 reaffirmed the importance of human rights. The States are duty-bound, as stipulated in the Declaration and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and other international human rights instruments, to ensure that education is aimed at strengthening the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Vienna Declaration declared the UN Decade of Human Rights Education from 1995 to 2004. The UNESCO has a responsibility and was a key organiser of the Decade. It attempts to promote through development of national and local capacities. It needs co-operation in development projects and programmes at national and sub-regional levels. It elaborated learning materials, publications and their translation in national and local languages.

Activities: Advocacy and Networking follow the Decade. The General Assembly proclaimed the World Programme for Human Rights Education, to advance the implementation programmes in all sectors. It promotes a common understanding of the basic principles and methodologies of human rights education. It also provided a concrete framework for action to strengthen partnerships and cooperation from the international level down to the grass roots.

Organizations: Amnesty International and Human Rights Education Associates are the main organisations with programmes to make more learning about human rights. It is the first step toward respecting, promoting and defending the rights. Amnesty International defines Human Rights Education as a “deliberate, participatory practice aimed at empowering individuals, groups and communities through fostering knowledge, skills and attitudes consistent with internationally recognized human rights principles”.

The Human Rights Committee: It will implement human rights by meeting three times a year to consider the five-yearly reports submitted by UN member states on their compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It is one of seven UN-linked human rights bodies. The First Optional Protocol came into effect on 23 March 1976. Currently 104 countries have agreed to allow persons within the member state to obtain an opinion from the Committee regarding violations of that Covenant. The Committee can thus function as a mechanism for the international redress of human rights abuses. The Second Optional Protocol came in force since 11 July 1991. Currently 53 countries abolished the death penalty. Why not India recognise it? Where has shaken the Gandhian Philisophy that condemned death penalty. The Committee is a treaty based mechanism where a group of experts examines reports and rules on individual communications pertaining only to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It remains disputed whether the Committee's in principle non-binding final views qualify as decisions of a quasi-judicial body or simply constitute authoritative interpretations on the merits of the cases brought before them for the members of the Optional Protocol. The members of the Committee must be "of high moral character and recognized competence in the field of human rights", are elected by the member states but on an individual basis, not as representatives of their countries. They serve four-year terms, with one-half of their number elected every second year at the General assembly. Our ifop has hopes of individual member when someone of us is qualified with high moral character and competent in the field of human rights. The ICCPR adopted and opened for signature on 16 December 1966 and came into force on 23 March 1976. The States Parties recognized the inherent dignity, equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace. It also recognized the free human beings enjoying civil and political freedom and freedom from fear and want. It can only be achieved if conditions are created whereby everyone may enjoy his civil and political rights, as well as his economic, social and cultural rights. The individual, having duties to other individuals and to the community to which he belongs, is under a responsibility to strive for the promotion and observance of the rights recognized in the present Covenant.

Self-determination: All peoples have the right of self-determination. They may freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. All peoples may, for their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice to any obligations arising out of international economic co-operation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its own means of subsistence. The States Parties shall have responsibility for the administration of Non-Self-Governing and Trust Territories. It shall promote the realization of the right of self-determination and shall respect that right in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations. Each State Party shall respect and ensure to all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the Covenant, without distinction of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It provided for by existing legislative or other measures, each State Party shall take the necessary steps, in accordance with its constitutional processes and with the provisions of the Covenant, to adopt such laws or other measures as may be necessary to give effect to the rights recognized in the Covenant. Each State Party shall ensure that any person whose rights or freedoms as herein recognized are violated shall have an effective remedy, notwithstanding that the violation has been committed by persons acting in an official capacity.

We ifop humbly do appeal to India and other countries that did not recognize the Right to self determination, to consider again this right without delay so that the peace shall be restored in the armed conflict zones. Why the UNO failed to convince those countries of the right to self determination? Some countries did not ratify the ICCPR whereas many did it. How conflicts would be resolved in such situations when nationalism is contradicted with terrorism?

Thank you all.

God bless!!!

(Dr) Robert Renatus Sanabam
President, ifop
21/10/08

2008: MESSAGE ON INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY

05 December 2008: INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY

Message

We ifop feel really happy to have this day as the International Volunteer Day for all of us on the basis of Social and Economic Development programs of the UN. This year is the beginning year and enjoy fully with the day, especially our youths.

On 2 December 2008, the UN Secretary General said in his message that December 5 would be observed as International Volunteer Day. This year marked by rising food and fuel prices, accelerating climate change and turmoil in world financial markets. There have been many calls for resources to combat these problems. However volunteerism is absent with us. Our potentially vast and powerful resource cannot engage people in the pursuit of peace and development. Yet the UN Volunteers programme deployed 7,500 volunteers every year to support national development efforts. Millions more may contribute their time and energy in their own way.

He said, “Recently I learned of a 70-year old woman who travelled halfway around the world from New Zealand to volunteer in Liberia with the UN’s peacekeeping mission and join local people in supporting the Government’s new national youth volunteer scheme. Every day, people across the world contribute their knowledge and energy as volunteers. Through facilities such as the UNV Online Volunteering service, everybody can volunteer for peace and development without being limited by time or physical constraints. The cultural form and definition of a volunteer may change depending on circumstances, but the underlying principle never wavers: every individual can make a difference in society. Beyond helping to promote the greater good, volunteers enrich their own lives. As one volunteer recently put it, “I feel as though I am able to make a difference in the world and use my skills. It allows me to genuinely feel as though I am part of the world community. The altruistic spirit of volunteerism is immense and renewable. On this International Volunteer Day, I urge all members of our global community to tap this great reserve of energy and initiative.”

On this auspicious day of volunteers the Planning Commission and the UN have signed a Joint Programme on Convergence to help India’s backward districts achieve the Millennium Development Goals by better utilisation of government resources. Currently, each district receives about $75 million per year from a large number of government schemes. However, the absence of convergence leads to poor utilisation and results. The Joint Programme on Convergence aims to address this lacuna through improved district planning, better budgeting and collaborative implementation where departments do not duplicate efforts.

The programme also provides for better monitoring of outcomes from government programmes. State governments and district administrations are the key partners in this exercise. The UN has committed about $15 million for selected backward districts in seven states for the programme. Infrastructure and expertise will be provided to state governments and District Planning Committees so that planning becomes more participatory and effective linkages are established between planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring. Various agencies of the UN are to provide assistance in areas of their relevance.

Dr S R Mangang
President, ifop

20 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURE

The ifop President is reading out a message on Human Solidarity Day.

19 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

The ifop President reading out his message on South-South Cooperation.

18 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

The ifop President reading out a message on Int'l Migrants Day.

11 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

ifop observing International Mountain Day



Dr. Robert Renatus Sanabam, ifop President



Mr. Biswajit, ifop Member

2008 Human Rights Day Function in Pictures

ifop observing Human Rights Day



The Secretary Finance Ms. Mercy Sanabam is conducting the function.



The ifop President and the Chief Guest Begum Sharifunessa lighting the candles.



Master Ningtamba presenting a Manipuri cultural shawl to the Chief Guest.



Miss Laylay Win presenting flowers to the Chief Guest.



Everyone lighting the candles as a symbol of unity and peace.



Mr. S C Das and Sir Dayaito Luwang holding the candles.



Ms. Mercy Sanabam, Dr. Robert Renatus Sanabam and Begum Sharifunessa with candles.



Chief Guest and Guest of Honour seen with the others present at the function.



Mr. Biswajit and Mr. Surendra present on the occasion.



Mr. S C Das and Sir Dayaito Luwang with others.


Chief Guest Begum Sharifunessa speaking at the function.


Dr. Robert Renatus Sanabma, President, giving the welcome speech.



The President speaking.



The others listening to the President.



Sir Dayaito Luwang is reading out his thoughts on Right to Self-Determination.



Sir Dayaito Luwang



Communication Officer Miss Helena Sanabam reading out the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.



Miss Helena Sanabam



Mr. Biswajit, ifop member, introducting himself.



Mr. Biswajit



A view of those present at the meeting.



Mrs. Menao N. speaking at the function.



Mr. Surendro sharing his thoughts at the function.



Mr. Surendro



Ms. Mercy Sanabam sharing her thoughts at the function.



Supreme Court Advocate Mr. S C Das speaking as the Guest of Honour.



Chief Guest Begum Sharifunessa sharing her thoughts at the function.



Chief Guest Begum Sharifunessa



Chief Guest Begum Sharifunessa



The ifop President giving the vote of thanks.



Ms. Menao sharing her thoughts.



The women present at the meeting.



Ms. Mercy Sanabam with Ms. Rina (wife of Sir Dayaito Luwang) and Ms. Menao

9 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

ifop observing Anti-Corruption Day



The ifop President reading out a message on Int'l Anti-Corruption Day.



The Secretary Finance reading out a message on the event.



Mr. Biswajit, a member of ifop reading out his message.

7 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

The ifop President is reading out a message on Civil Aviation Day.

5 DECEMBER 2008: EVENT IN PICTURES

The members present on the event.



ifop oberserving International Volunteer Day.

Dr Robert Sanabam, President, is reading out his Message on the eve of the INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 2008

ifop oberserving International Volunteer Day.

Mr Biswajit, ifop Member