A people’s tribunal hearing on starvation and government neglect will be held at Bankim Niwas in Jalangi, Murshidabad, West Bengal on September 23 and 24, organized by the Howrah-based Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (Masum) and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Nine panelists, consisting of eminent Indian judges, doctors and social activists will listen to the testimonials of 28 families who have all lost loved ones to starvation. Additionally, at least 500 hunger victims are expected to attend in solidarity and make written complaints against government neglect regarding hunger.
Since 2002 the erosion of the Padma river bank has increased, resulting in a loss of fertile land and destitute villagers. Although the local government has been aware of the situation, till now little has been done to help those affected. The AHRC has previously reported on numerous cases of starvation deaths and hunger in the area, as well as other parts of India. These have largely occurred due to corruption and the callousness of state officials.
A second people’s tribunal hearing is to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on September 30 by the People’s Vigilance Committee for Human Rights (PVCHR). It will take place at Pavadakar Bhawan, Maidagin. Hunger in Uttar Pradesh is causing villagers to take drastic measures, some even committing suicide to end their suffering.
Demonstrating the prevalence of severe hunger in many parts of Asia is part of the work of the Permanent People’s Tribunal on the Right to Food and the Rule of Law in Asia, a programme of the AHRC. The programme aims to establish links between hunger and a breakdown in the rule of law through the documentation of direct testimonies of those suffering from hunger by credible panelists. This documentation is subsequently shared with local government authorities and civil society, as well as UN and international agencies, in order to generate discussion and bring about resolutions.
Hunger as seen in Asia, is not primarily caused by a lack of food or natural disasters, but systemic neglect. The two people’s tribunal hearings to be held in India will allow victims to articulate their claim to the right to food, and also highlight the state’s failures in respecting and protecting this right. This articulation is necessary to the procurement of long term remedies to both food scarcity and food security.
