Film festival on human rights held

To draw attention to this, and commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the South India Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM) along with Jain University organised a film festival on human rights here on Monday.

With the theme “non-discrimination,” two films, ‘In search of Light’ and 'Ek chingari ki khoj mein' were screened at the festival that focused on issues related to attacks on Dalits in Tamil Nadu during 2003-04 where many human rights organisation had emerged. The films threw light on issues like communalism, rape, dowry, domestic violence, sexual harassment at workplace, denied entry into temples, discrimination against disabled, AIDS, transgenders, caste, creed, religion, language and nationality.

R Manohar, Head - Programme Department, SICHREM said discrimination exists everywhere, “The urban poor are main targets, where slums are being eradicated in the name of development and infrastructure," he said. 

Shantha from the Shanta Mahila Samaja addressed members of her community and said that such outreach activities help to interact with students without any discrimination or bias.

SICHREM has already tied up with City colleges for week-long activities. On December 9, SICHREM members will go on a fast from morning till evening and then on December 10, a special function is organised at the St Jospeh's Arts and Science College.