Youth forum takes on human rights violations

MANGALORE: They are a group of youngsters who wish to contribute their mite to eradicating misconceptions, superstition and unwarranted practices in society. They come from varied backgrounds and occupations, yet their cause is one.
Vallabh Associates, a human rights cell and counselling centre which made a humble beginning recently in the city, could be just the place for youth who want to utilise their spare time in serving society but don''t know how.
Vivek Vallabh, one of the initiators, said they want to create awareness among the people to combat misconceptions and social evils prevalent in society.
The group propagates fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution and fights for individual rights through legal means.
"In our spare time, we attend to a host of personal calls and meet victims to provide redressal of issues like marital discord, emotional and stress-related problems through family and youth counselling," he said. Human rights counselling and legal assistance also get priority, he added.
Coordinator Flavia Pereira said the cell intends to inquire about any violation of human rights in any form within DK district, and intervene in any proceedings involving violation of human rights pending before a court, with the approval of such courts. The main objectives of the centre were the spread of literacy among various sections of society and promotion of awareness through publications, media, seminars and other means.
The centre also supports and encourages institutions working in the field through legal means. It studies and reports abuses of human rights within the district and recommends appropriate remedial measures to counter it. It also recommends effective implementation systems when public servants themselves are found negligent in preventing human rights violations.
A beginning has been made and there is a long way ahead for the youngsters who strive to transform the centre into an effective medium to reach out to people in need in redressing their problems with regard to rights violations. Redressal is only a call away, they promise.
Victims of any kind of rights violation can avail counselling and legal assistance by calling Vallabh Associates (Ph: 213012) between 3 pm and 6 pm.