Shillong, Dec 10: The Meghalaya Peoples’ Human Rights Council (MPHRC) has called on the state government to strengthen its commitment to protecting human rights, particularly those of indigenous communities, as the world observes International Human Rights Day 2025 under the theme “Our Everyday Essentials.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, MPHRC Chairman Dino D.G. Dympep said that while the government has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to safeguarding rights, the ground reality in Meghalaya continues to reflect “systematic violations, deepening inequalities and the exclusion of communities from critical decision-making.”
Dympep cautioned that indigenous peoples in the state are increasingly vulnerable to land dispossession, criminalisation and violence amid expanding extractive industries and proposed exploration of strategic minerals, including uranium. He said these activities are often pursued “without respecting the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC),” a safeguard recognised under international human rights frameworks.
MPHRC further observed that despite the government’s ambition to transform Meghalaya into a $10-billion economy by 2028, large sections of the population still lack access to basic services. The Council said development processes have not ensured meaningful public participation, thereby undermining human rights principles.
Highlighting the condition of the state’s healthcare system, the Council expressed concern that 42.3% of the population remains without adequate health coverage. It also flagged the rising number of medical negligence cases in both government and private institutions, describing them as potential breaches of duty that may fall under criminal negligence and constitute human rights violations.
“As we commemorate Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the collective rights of indigenous peoples,” MPHRC said. “Every individual is entitled to dignity, justice and equality, and it is the responsibility of the state to uphold these rights.”
The Council urged the government to take immediate action, including:
Recognising universal human rights and the collective rights of indigenous peoples in state and national legislation.
Guaranteeing FPIC in all development projects.
Ending criminalisation of citizens, communities and human rights defenders.
Ensuring access to justice and holding perpetrators accountable.
Allowing effective participation of all stakeholders in governance.
Protecting civil society spaces and ensuring an enabling environment for participation in development processes.
Contact:
Dino D.G. Dympep, Chairman, MPHRC
Phone: +91 94363 72916 / 0364 3590502
