The Manipur Users Collective (MUC) on Sunday asserted that violations of rights faced by drug users in Manipur is reaching a critical point with reports of discrimination, violence and neglect, urging the authorities concerned to urgently address these violations.
MUC, in a release on International Human Rights Day, said ‘human rights are universal, and every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves dignity, respect, and access to essential services’. It also shed light on the alarming and widespread human rights abuses faced by drug users in Manipur.
It claimed that drug use across the state is not being affected by the seriousness of the crises in terms of consumption but rather more aggravated with uninterrupted supply leading to violation of human rights under the guise of treatment resorting to moral policing. It stressed the need for immediate attention and action to safeguard the rights and dignity of these individuals as most of them are in the reformative age group.
It also urged local and national authorities to investigate and rectify instances of abuse, ensuring accountability for those responsible. It maintained that a comprehensive and compassionate approach is needed to tackle the root causes of drug abuse, focusing on rehabilitation and harm reduction rather than punitive measures.
‘It is high time that all drug use issues are acknowledged as a health issue rather than considered as a moral discrepancy issue’, MUC said. It called upon all to unite in the commitment to fostering a society which values and upholds the rights of all its members, including those grappling with drug dependency in Manipur.
It further paid honour to those who lost their lives in the prevailing conflict and shared grief with the bereaved families. It also shared the pain and agony of the displaced victims and urged the international community to stand in solidarity with the affected individuals and advocate for the protection of their basic human rights.
