Establish regional mechanism to address human right abuses:Amnesty

New Delhi, Apr 2 (UNI) Ahead of tomorrow's SAARC summit, a Human Rights Assembly organised by Amnesty International India has urged the South Asian governments to establish a regional mechanism to address the human rights abuses in the region.

The demand was made in the context of largescale violations of rights, perpetuated through security laws and their specific forms, including anti-terror laws and detention laws, a statement said.

The two-day assembly, which ended today, was attended by delegates from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Europe, as well as different parts of India.

''SAARC seeks to promote trust and cooperation across South Asia.

Security laws, justified in the context of terrorism in South Asia, frequently curb freedom of expression and the ability of citizens to express peaceful political dissent. These laws seek to promote security but curtailment of enjoyment of rights erodes people's sense of security,'' said Amnesty International Asia-Pacific Director Purna Sen.

The assembly also demanded that the governments should abolish the death penalty, which amounted to violation of the right to life and was a cruel and inhuman punishment. It was neither an effective deterrent for crime nor a failsafe means of punishment, given concerns about criminal justice systems.

The assembly expressed concern over the impact on the rights of populations touched by mining projects and Special Economic Zones as well as the role of companies in SAARC countries.

Ending violence against women must be a priority for SAARC through specific and time-bound government initiatives, and be made an enforceable fundamental human right in South Asia, the statement added.

UNI