Assam Youth Hirak Jyoti Bora addresses UN rights body on racism and women’s rights

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a powerful address at the 58th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Assam youth Hirak Jyoti Bora spoke out against racism and racial discrimination, as well as the grave human rights violations faced by women worldwide.

“Mr President, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action is our commitment to uproot racism and racial discrimination. Racism still prevails in many parts of the world,” Bora emphasized.

He also highlighted the alarming issue of violence against women, stating, “Violence against women is a grave human rights violation that has far-reaching consequences, impacting physical, mental, and social well-being, hindering women’s full participation in society, and perpetuating inequality. Governments failed to provide human rights protection to women even in the 21st century.”

Bora specifically cited the case of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was victimized by false allegations that violated her right to life and liberty under the Constitution of Bangladesh. He urged the government of Bangladesh to provide monetary compensation, restore her reputation, and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

In addition, Bora brought attention to a disturbing incident in India, where female students from Scheduled Castes and the Karbi tribe were sexually harassed by an assistant professor at Assam University. He noted that the accused also harassed his wife, a native girl.

Bora concluded his address by urging the council to take greater action to safeguard women’s interests, seeking “unprecedented attention and initiatives to be applied in all countries”. 

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