In the present political context, HRDs are facing threats across India from various political groups, fundamentalists, etc. Most of the threats and hampering of the work of HRDs from North East regions are not getting attention due to geographical remoteness and lack of visibility. In this light, Women in Governance-NE (WinG-NE)  and HRDA has organized a training for HRDs which was hosted by Rural Women Upliftment Society, Sielmat.

The training was held for two days (October 28-29, 2016) which saw the participation of about 30 HRDs across the different states of North East such as Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura. The training had Mr Mathew Jacob and Ms. Bondita Acharya as the resource persons focusing  on Human Rights Mechanisms, National and International Human Rights Institutions, Documentation of Cases ,Filing of Complaints and writing Urgent Appeals. The training saw the active involvement of participants in discussions, presentation and debates where there was learning from basic concept of human rights, human rights defenders to UN Special Rapporteur and how as HRDs, they can access these mechanisms.

The two day training had proved to be a successful programme which provides a platform for learning and an opportunity to discuss issues common accross the states and understand the realities that HRDs faced in their respective fields.

“The training has enabled me to expand my understanding of who a human rights defender is. It could be you, me, a school teacher, a domestic worker, anyone! ” Ronica, participant

RWUS Organised Women’s Farmer’s Training in collaboration with Agriculture Technology Management Agency( ATMA) on 29th July, 2016. Participants were trained on mushroom cultivation and were provided with free mushroom sponge and bags so that they will be able to start their own mushroom cultivation at home.

Thank You Team ATMA…………

Women In Governance(WinG) North East and RWUS organised Women leadership Training on 31st May to strengthen the role of women in Governance and decision making. The program engaged women key leaders from different tribal communities to share their stories, experiences and achievements. Issues like inclusion of more women in decision making bodies and capacitating second line leaders was discussed.

Rural Women Upliftment Society organised a three days training of Trainers on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Management at RWUS Training hall from 25th May to 27th May 2016. The trainees were trained by Mr. David L. Lungtau, Associate Professor, Lamka College. The training was participated by 37 youths from 5 different villages in Churachandpur District

The topic covered are introduction on climate change, causes and effects of climate change, how we contribute to climate change, climate change adaptation and disaster management. The trainer use different techniques like showing documentaries on relevant topics like climate change, climate change adaptation and natural disasters and steps to be taken during or after disaster.

The trainer conducted a drill on earthquake preparedness drill where all the participants were asked to participate.

RWUS organised training on the UN Declaration Of Indigenous People’ s Right which was attended by Women Leaders from different communities in Churachandpur. According to the trainer Mr. David Buhril “Indigenous communities, peoples and nations are those which, having a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed on their territories, consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing on those territories, or parts of them. They form at present non-dominant sectors of society and are determined to preserve, develop and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories, and their ethnic identity, as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal system.”

The trainer stressed on the UNDRIP which plays a vital role for the indigenous people.The UNDRIP is an international human rights instrument that sets the minimum standards for guaranteeing the collective rights of indigenous peoples. It is an affirmation of collective rights that have long been exercised by indigenous peoples.Besides setting out the rights of indigenous peoples it also sets the duties of States towards the indigenous people.

Women Group demonstrating organic manure at RWUS Training Hall. This organic fertilizer are used in kitchen garden aiming at ” Food Always In The Home”, FAITH Garden.