(with pictures)
New Delhi, September 20 (Language) President Draupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged not to consider human rights as a separate issue, stressed on giving ‘equal attention’ to the care of the natural environment and expressed regret that human rights are being destroyed due to imprudent actions. Mother Nature is badly hurt.
Addressing the biennial conference of National Human Rights Institutions of Asia Pacific at Vigyan Bhawan, Murmu also said that it is important to rekindle the love for nature for its conservation and prosperity ‘before it is too late’ should go.
The event is being organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India in collaboration with Asia Pacific Forum (APF) on 20-21 September.
Murmu said that he saw the list of conferences held before the forum and expressed happiness that this is the first conference organized physically after Covid.
“I have been told that around 100 foreign delegates are participating in the conference,” he said.
Murmu also underlined the degradation of the natural environment.
The President said, “Man is as good a creator as he is a destroyer. According to scientific studies, the planet has entered the sixth stage of extinction, in which if man-made destruction is not stopped, not only the human race, but also other life on this earth will be destroyed.”
“In this context, I urge you not to consider the issue of human rights in isolation and pay equal attention to the care of Mother Nature, which is badly hurt by the indiscriminate actions of human beings,” she said.
The President said, “In India we believe that every particle of the universe is an expression of divinity. Before it is too late, we must rekindle our love for the conservation and prosperity of nature.”
Amina Bouyach, Secretary of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, APF President Doo-Hwan Song and NHRC Chief Justice (Retd) Arun Kumar Mishra shared the dais with the President.
The APF is also holding its 28th Annual General Meeting at Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday in which issues of common interest to the member countries are being discussed.
Representatives of national human rights institutions from countries including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Philippines, Jordan and Australia are participating in the conference.
Murmu said, “We should consider for a moment the causes of pandemics and natural disasters around us. We must also consider the challenges of climate change which are threatening the existence of the Earth.
The President said, “The life and thoughts of (Mahatma) Gandhi were also important in shaping the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “He influenced human rights discourse.”
Murmu said that it was due to the influence of Gandhiji that the concept of human rights expanded from the basic needs of life to the dignity of life.
He said that similarly, Dr. BR Ambedkar was a strong supporter of human rights. According to the President, Dr. Ambedkar taught the weaker sections to stand up for their rights and live with dignity.
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