World govts undermined HR through failed promises: Amnesty Intl

Mumbai May 23 (UNI) The Amnesty International report, 2006 has stated that 2005 was a year of contradictions, as powerful Governments of the world undermined human rights through systematic deception and failed priomises.

Releasing the report here, trade union leader Sharad Rao said 'Amnesty International is doing a great job by educating the people world over about human rights and other serious issues.'' Amnesty International-India campaign and communication co-ordinator Joe Athialy said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government started with lot of promises but after two years, they are yet to rise up to the expectations.

He said, ''Intensification of social, political, cultural and economic discrimination, oppression and violence against dalits and displacement in the name of development are burning issues in the country.'' He also said impunity enjoyed by perpetuators of violence from political leaders and armed forces continues to bother human rights fraternity. Protection of women in Domestic Violence Act, Right to Information Act and National Rural Employment Guarantee Act are welcome steps. However, implementation of the provisions of these Acts in letter and spirit is decisive, he added.

On India, the report states that peace intiatives between Pakistan and India resulted in thawing of relations between the two countries on a slow pace.

It stated that talks between maoists and the Andhra Pradesh Government collapsed after eight months, signalling a return to violence.

In the North-East, talks between the Union Government and a section of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland remained inconclusive.

On Jammu and Kashmir, the report blamed the of Union government as cases of disappearances, torture and deaths in custody continued to be reported.

In Gujarat, survivors of targeted killings and sexual violence in 2002, some of which had amounted to crimes against humanity, continued to be denied justice.

Despite positive economic gains in recent years, about 30 crore people remain mired in poverty, the report said, which was released today all across the world.

UNI ST/GVS GK PG KN1821