Human Rights in
indigenous regions in South Asia
Mubasher Mir
Historically this has been
learnt that people were living with peace and harmony in Indus Civilization.
Indus water basin is source of life from millions of years and we can say since
the creation of this Earth.
As for as the present
history is concerned different dynasties were the rulers in different areas of
Indian Sub Continent whichis called now South Asia. Presently, the South Asia
region is consisted on Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,Pakistan, Maldives and
Sri Lanka. A huge population of indigenous people of South Asia is living in
these countries now.
History tells us that
Alexander came from Macedonia and entered Sub-Continent from Kabul. He crossed
the Indus River and his battle was fought on River Jhelum, it’s situated 120 Km
from Islamabad the Capital of Pakistan now. In these times Western World considered
that India is the last destination of this world.
Alexander was not able to
conquer the Sub-Continent and returned his home with severe wound which caused
his death during Journey. After Alexander other invaders came from Central
Asia, Arab and Iran.They ruled many Centuries in Sub-Continent. Religiously
they were Muslims. Britishers and French came later, Britisherscame as traders
(East India Company) but they captured the whole.
Sub-Continent got liberty and
new Countries came in to being presently it is called South Asia.
In ancient times, people
were living in tribes; a tribal mindset was prevailed in every Continent politically,
economically and socially weak people minorities or families were used to live
as salves. Great Prophet Moses (A.S.) challenged the hegemony of Egyptian Pharaoh
in favor of Israelites, enslaved minority.
Prophet Muhammad (SAAW) also
manifestedequality and Justice System in first Islamic State in Madina, which
is a beaconof light in present world as well.
Historically, most of the
Muslim rulers established their Governments on secular principles; they did not
impose their religion on the Natives. Non-Muslims were equally important in
their courts, although the society of Sub-Continent was totally different, low cast
minorities were facing social injustice from the privileged and elite class. A
religious ritual “Satti” was inhuman act, forwomen. Muslim rulers did not ban
or reformed this criminal act. Aurangzeb Alamgir was strict religiously;Hussaini
Muslims faced huge problems in his regime.
European nations invaded in
every Continent of the world, they made colonies and salves were for their
business and industrial motives. In 20th Century, after two world
wars, the world leaders realized that there should be a code of conduct to save
and protect the humanity.
So, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was passed as United Nations Resolution NO
217-A in General Assembly of UNO held in Paris 10th December, 1948 all
major aspects of human liberty have been included in this historical document.
According to the official website of UNO, this document has been translated in
over 500 languages.
According to reliable sources
and World Health Organization, Bangladesh have a problem of Arsenic in water,
which causes 40 million people have been poisoned. Bhutan anotherindigenous
region, a clear political inequality remains their citizens from few areas are
unable to exercise the fundamental rights like freedom of movement. The most
populated country of South Asia region is India which has several human rights
issues like sexual harassment and rape of young girls, more than 200 million
Dalits are living in bad condition. Religious minorities are facing extremism
even in higher education institutions or universities.World’s highest military
zone Kashmir where life is in real trouble, according to the European legislatives
and UN Human Rights Commission Report.
Right now, Pakistan is the
most volatile country in South Asia region. In 1947, the newly born country was
weak, politically and economically. Two million people were massacred when they
were coming to new homeland. Before its Silver Jubilee the country was divided,
the confession statements of two Indian Prime Ministers are on record, they
admitted that there was our role to divide Pakistan.
Afghanistan-Russia war
created huge problems for Pakistan, that war changed the social fabric of
Pakistani society. Religious extremism started with the involvement of Western
world. 9/11 was the major mishap which created again huge problem for Pakistan,
a severe wave of terrorism started, more than 70,000 Pakistani lost their lives
and more than hundred thousand people were wounded in different attacks. Now
they are not living the normal life. Pakistan faced the civil war like
situation in tribal areas; more than five thousand military personnel lost
their lives thosewere fighting against the terrorists.
Sri Lanka was also succeeded
to against the four decade long terrorism. They lost many lives during this
period.So,every where there were problems to maintain peace and Justice. The
world and regional politics is also a major cause behind this unrest and human
rights violations.
After colonialism now the
third world countries are in the hands of economic powers.South Asia region is
also facing huge threats for its security and sovereignty.Sovereignty is a myth
for third world countries.
The cheap labour of South
Asia is like a gift for the first world countries.They need finished products
for their brands on cheap rates and they are earning the huge profits.Social
security is also a major issue for largely populated region is Asia. Food,
clean water and energy security are the other major problems.
It’s unfortunate that when
we compare the poverty ratio with the military spending in South Asia region.
It is totally unfair but its reality. COVID-19 impact on this region is severe
because of poverty and less opportunities for employment.
All Nations of South Asia
region have to figure out the road map for conflict resolution or management
for the next generation. They should bury the hatchet and start the confidence
building measures for peace and harmony.
They can achieve the high
moral values in human rights by ensuring fair and free justice system for their
people. Influential people are the main hurdle in equality and rule of law. In some
areas, they act like above the law,they are not in favour of revolutionary
reforms in political system. Education and awareness on mass level can make the
difference.
It is the duty of the states
in South Asia to increase the education and health budgets to change the lives
the people. It will be also improve the human rights protection index
positively.
The writer is President Karachi Editors Club and can be
reached at: mubashermir99@gmail.com
