ZoRo slams India, Myanmar, B'desh govts for ‘UNDRIP violations'
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Aizawl: A six-member delegation of the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZoRO), attending the 18th Expert Mechanism On The Rights Of Indigenous People session in Geneva, accused India, Myanmar and Bangladesh govts of violating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 2007 despite being signatories to the declaration.
The session held from Monday to Friday saw participation from 777 delegates representing indigenous communities across various countries. Nine major agenda items concerning indigenous rights were discussed.
Representing the Zohnam (Zo ethnic tribes), ZoRO addressed Agenda Item No 11 titled 'Proposals to be submitted to the Human Rights Council for its consideration and approval'. It submitted a memorandum detailing the challenges faced by the Zo people.
Speaking at the session, ZoRo general secretary Lalnunfela Chawngthu said: "India, Myanmar and Bangladesh are signatories to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007. However, their current practices grossly violate the Declaration."
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