HUMAN RIGHTS HUB

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Call for Actions to Initiate Collective Engagement to Ensure Accountability in Pakistan

Almost two months have passed since the elections, yet the major political party Pakistan Tehreek- e-Insaf (PTI) has filed petitions to obtain reserved seats after losing the party symbol just before the elections. Along with the PTI, some other major political parties have joined hands and staged a protest campaign over the alleged rigging involving the caretaker setup and its decisions in various aspects of holding the elections. On February 8, 2024, during the general election, observers raised many questions about the systems and processes, while praising the security situation provided by the security and law enforcement agencies. Observers reported that internet and cellular services were shut down on polling day, and changes in polling information created hurdles for voters to access the polling stations. This action raised doubts about the eligibility and competency of the election commission and led to allegations of rigging by various parties. Given the situation in the country and in accordance with democratic norms and rules, the state and government must address the violation of the fundamental right of political participation and fair trial. To end the polarization and ensure stable political and economic conditions, and strengthen democracy in the country, all stakeholders must work together. We, as the South Asia Youth Network (SAYN), urge PM Shahbaz Sharif to bridge the gap between political parties and immediately initiate dialogue with the opposition for the betterment of the country’s democratic and strong economic future. The entire region is in a transitional phase; thus, there is a need to come up with plans to strengthen ties with neighbors and address common issues faced by the countries. For the new government, a clear foreign policy to rebuild trust and relations with countries, especially India, Afghanistan, and Iran, for peace and security in the region, is an important task at hand currently. Taking this step will surely help in dealing with the over $270 billion foreign and domestic debts of the country, as well as challenges arising from climate events such as floods, which cost over $30 billion in 2022. We suggest the following to the government of Pakistan: 1. Addressing Election Concerns: • The government should conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of rigging and irregularities raised during the election. An independent inquiry or commission to review the electoral process and ensure transparency. • Necessary reforms to strengthen the electoral system and ensure fair elections in the future. This can include measures such as updating voter registration systems and enhancing oversight of polling stations. 2. Engaging in Dialogue with political parties and stakeholders: • Dialogue between the government and opposition parties is essential to address political polarization and foster cooperation. PM Shahbaz Sharif and the President Asif Ali Zardari can play a key role in initiating and facilitating these discussions. • The dialogue should focus on finding common ground, resolving disputes through peaceful means, and working together on national priorities such as economic development, social welfare, and institutional reform. 3. Address the Economic Challenges: • The government must address the country’s economic challenges, including high levels of debt and vulnerability to climate-related disasters. This may involve implementing fiscal reforms, promoting investment and economic diversification, and strengthening social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable segments of society. • Political will to Invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare can enhance productivity, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall well-being of the population. 4. Develop a Clear Foreign Policy: • A clear and coherent foreign policy is essential to promote regional stability and enhance the country’s international standing. This policy should outline the government’s objectives, priorities, and strategies for engaging with neighboring countries and the wider international community. • Build trust and positive relations with neighboring countries, particularly India, Afghanistan, and Iran, can open up opportunities for cooperation on various fronts, including trade, security, and regional integration. 5. Regional Cooperation: • Collaboration with neighboring countries and regional partners is essential for addressing common challenges and harnessing opportunities for mutual benefit. This could include joint initiatives on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and environmental protection. • Regional cooperation mechanisms, such as economic integration agreements and security dialogues, can promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Yours Sincerely, Anthony Vinoth South Asia Youth Network (SAYN).

Call for Actions to Initiate Collective Engagement to Ensure Accountability in Pakistan Read More »

Call for a free, fair and participatory elections in India.

As the world is set to witness the largest ever elections in any country at any time of history, we the South Asian Youth Network (SAYN) is deeply concerned about the integrity of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India. We, the representatives of the South Asian Youth Network firmly believe that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and are essential for upholding the rights and voices of the people. Therefore, we urge the Election Commission of India to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure a free and fair electoral process. As representatives of the South Asian Youth Network, we appeal to the Election Commission of India to consider the following recommendations: 1. To call upon all political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the model code of conduct, which serves as a guiding principle for ethical and fair election campaigning. 2. To take stringent measures to prohibit the use of religion, hate speech, caste or communal feelings in election campaigns. Such divisive tactics not only undermine the spirit of democracy but also pose a threat to the social fabric of the nation. 3. It is imperative that the Election Commission operates in an independent and transparent manner, free from any external influence or pressure. The credibility of the electoral process hinges upon the Commission’s ability to uphold its mandate impartially and without bias. 4. Lastly, we urge the Election Commission to use its given mandate to publicize the election violations during election period without further delay which can affect the election results. We take the opportunity to remind the Election Commission of its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process from external influence or bias. The credibility of the election’s rests upon the EC’s ability to uphold its mandate impartially, ensuring that the voice of every citizen is heard and respected. In this light, SAYN emphasizes the importance of conducting Lok Sabha Election ’24 with the highest standard of transparency, fairness and accountability. As the eyes of the world is upon India as it prepares to embark on a historic electoral journey, we urge the Election Commission of India to uphold the democratic values upon which our nation stands, ensuring that the Electoral process reflects the will of the people. Yours Sincerely, Anthony Vinoth South Asia Youth Network (SAYN) Email: [email protected]

Call for a free, fair and participatory elections in India. Read More »

Human Rights Hub has initiated a training program

Human Rights Hub has initiated a training program both physical and online for the youth district representatives on the research methodologies for an upcoming national research on various policy changes in the country. The group of volunteers along with HRH team joint hands to conduct one to one interview to collect data on the research. A long waited moment has been made success with the help of Anthony Vinoth the Executive Director of HRH and Hiroshan Lakshan AAL, Director of the organization’s involvement and timely concerned executed plan. The research will further contribute to Sri Lanka Democracy Network “SLDN” work in the provinces on reforms.

Human Rights Hub has initiated a training program Read More »

On April 04, 2024 the Annual General Meeting of Human Rights Hub

On April 04, 2024 the Annual General Meeting of Human Rights Hub happened with the members of the organization evaluating and looking back the on the past year’s learnings and looking forward with enthusiasm and much more spirit with the love and concern of the members who are core pillars of the organization. Happy to look back the journey…

On April 04, 2024 the Annual General Meeting of Human Rights Hub Read More »

We speak a lot about women and women rights but when we step into grass-root it’s obvious that number of women are there even without knowing what their rights are.

We speak a lot about women and women rights but when we step into grass-root it’s obvious that number of women are there even without knowing what their rights are. When we speak of the rights of women we have to begin from the grassroot and through empowering women we have to reach the top. අපි කාන්තාවන් සහ කාන්තා අයිතිවාසිකම් ගැන බොහෝ දේ කතා කරන නමුත් අපි බිම් මට්ටමට පිවිසෙන විට ඔවුන්ගේ අයිතිවාසිකම් මොනවාදැයි නොදැන පවා කාන්තාවන් සංඛ්‍යාවක් සිටින බව පැහැදිලිය. කාන්තාවන්ගේ අයිතිවාසිකම් ගැන කතා කරන විට අපි බිම් මට්ටමේ සිට ආරම්භ කළ යුතු අතර කාන්තාවන් සවිබල ගැන්වීම හරහා අපට ඉහළට යා යුතුය. பெண்கள் மற்றும் பெண்களின் உரிமைகள் பற்றி நாம் அதிகம் பேசுகிறோம் ஆனால் அடிமட்டத்தில் அடியெடுத்து வைக்கும் போது, ​​அவர்களின் உரிமைகள் என்னவென்று தெரியாமலேயே பெண்களின் எண்ணிக்கை இருப்பது தெளிவாகத் தெரிகிறது. பெண்களின் உரிமைகளைப் பற்றி பேசும்போது, ​​அடிமட்டத்தில் இருந்து தொடங்கி, பெண்களுக்கு அதிகாரம் அளிப்பதன் மூலம் நாம் உச்சத்தை அடைய வேண்டும்.

We speak a lot about women and women rights but when we step into grass-root it’s obvious that number of women are there even without knowing what their rights are. Read More »

It’s our far more duty to upheld women and ensure a safe environment for them to live their day today life. A torture free society for women starting from family and the surrounding.

It’s our far more duty to upheld women and ensure a safe environment for them to live their day today life. A torture free society for women starting from family and the surrounding. කාන්තාවන්ට අද දවසේ ජීවත් වීමට ආරක්ෂිත පරිසරයක් සහතික කිරීම අපගේ වඩා යුතුකමකි. පවුලෙන් සහ වටපිටාවෙන් පටන් ගෙන කාන්තාවන් සඳහා වධහිංසාවලින් තොර සමාජයක්. பெண்களை நிலைநிறுத்துவதும், அவர்களின் இன்றைய வாழ்க்கையை வாழ்வதற்கான பாதுகாப்பான சூழலை உறுதி செய்வதும் நமது மிக அதிகமான கடமையாகும். குடும்பம் மற்றும் அதைச் சுற்றியுள்ள பெண்களுக்கான சித்திரவதை இல்லாத சமூகம்.

It’s our far more duty to upheld women and ensure a safe environment for them to live their day today life. A torture free society for women starting from family and the surrounding. Read More »

Empowering the leaders of tomorrow! The recent 25-hour leadership program took place at Holy Rosary MV in Bogawantalawa, Nuwara Eliya.

Empowering the leaders of tomorrow! The recent 25-hour leadership program took place at Holy Rosary MV in Bogawantalawa, Nuwara Eliya. Approximately 120 Grade 10/11 students, comprising 70 girls and 50 boys, participated and delved into topics crucial for leadership development. With a focus on positivity, social media safety, effective presentation skills, problem-solving, lifelong learning, decision-making, time management, responsibility, and accountability, we are nurturing a generation of leaders prepared to inspire and lead with integrity. This program was organized by the International United Women Federation Canada, funded by Kanavagam USA, and implemented through the Human Rights Hub Sri Lanka. Anthony Vinoth, Executive Director of Human Rights Hub was the main Trainer along with Choolani Nawarathne and Tiya Sherlin who supported as co-trainers…

Empowering the leaders of tomorrow! The recent 25-hour leadership program took place at Holy Rosary MV in Bogawantalawa, Nuwara Eliya. Read More »

Human Rights Hub (HRH) initiated a meeting with Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN), and evaluated the past events and planned for future with much more inclusive engagement of the members and other CSOs as to bring up certain identified issues to the common platform and to address it with the communities…

Human Rights Hub (HRH) initiated a meeting with Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN), and evaluated the past events and planned for future with much more inclusive engagement of the members and other CSOs as to bring up certain identified issues to the common platform and to address it with the communities… The need of a reform in the country and within the communities to address the barriers that the country as a whole are facing is been strategically and critically highlighted to move for a National level encounter with the communities…

Human Rights Hub (HRH) initiated a meeting with Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN), and evaluated the past events and planned for future with much more inclusive engagement of the members and other CSOs as to bring up certain identified issues to the common platform and to address it with the communities… Read More »

Human Rights Hub (HRH) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the group of youth in different format in Sri Lanka to learn more of their expectations for future reforms in prevailing system.

Human Rights Hub (HRH) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the group of youth in different format in Sri Lanka to learn more of their expectations for future reforms in prevailing system. Youth from different parts of the country representing diverse area of work and who are the future of Sri Lanka and the world are being encouraged and motivated to be more vigilant while acting as change agents in a positive manner.

Human Rights Hub (HRH) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the group of youth in different format in Sri Lanka to learn more of their expectations for future reforms in prevailing system. Read More »

Human Rights Hub (HRH) organized a discussion and motivation program with the children in Nuwara Eliya…

Human Rights Hub (HRH) organized a discussion and motivation program with the children in Nuwara Eliya District with the peer learning and capacity building knowing their rights and being able to overcome the challenges that they are facing as children, students and as a community… An experiment had been carried out where there is more possibility to engage in productive manner with the communities in the grassroots and empower them using their capabilities… ‘HRH’ has been joining hands with communities and encouraging all to start up the possible ventures which will have much available resources from the grassroots to start up the progress gradually and through the communities fullest engagement into it…

Human Rights Hub (HRH) organized a discussion and motivation program with the children in Nuwara Eliya… Read More »

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