Human Rights Activists demand safety of Whistle-blowers

City based Human rights organization ‘Civil Society Forum on Human Rights’ has organized a two day convention in Bhubaneswar.

Justice B.K. Misra, acting chair person of Odisha Human Rights Commission has inaugurated the convention. Addressing the occasion, Misra said, “Now people have faith in the rights institution. More people are coming to assert their rights.”

Misra expressed grave concern on the sexual harassment and pregnancy cases in the residential schools.

Henri Tiphange, noted human rights activist said, State Human Rights Commission should set up a focal point for Human Rights Defenders to take cases of the security and threat related case of the activists. He suggested a model law for HRDs.

In his view, A.K. Parashar, Joint Registrar (Law), National Human Rights Commission said, “it is the duty of state to protect human rights defender working in the state.”

Another Guest Kasturi Mohapatra spoke on the rights of persons with disabilities. Baghambar Pattanaik, Prasant Paikaray and Mahendra parida also spoke in the Convention.

Convener of CSFHR Dhirendra Panda informed the gathering the activities under taken by the organization for promotion and protection of human rights in the state.

“The main objectives of the convention are to discuss on Human rights situation in the state, challenges before the HRDs in monitoring human rights violations and advocacy on the emerging issues state and national level”, he said.

More than hundreds human rights defender across the state has attend the convention. They shared their experience and challenged faced during their activism. They also support a separate law for their safety and security.

Chandranath Dani and Akhand have managed all the sessions in the Convention.