18 Februay 2008 To
Dear Madam / Sir, As we all are concerned that ever since the United Nations Human Rights Commission has been renamed and restructured as the UN Human Rights Council, all countries have been asked to come up with a Universal Periodic Review of their human rights status .The Government of India is due to present its Periodical Review in April 2008 and the Government of India is in the process of finalizing its report for the same. As an elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, India should particularly guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards. Needless to mention that the Civil Society Organizations in India also have an opportunity to file a Parallel / Shadow Report on human rights status in India with the UN Human Rights Council. In this context, many human rights groups in India have come together under a platform, namely, *"Peoples Forum for Universal Periodic Review"* and have drafted their report, and submitted the same to the UN Human Rights Council. The report is signed and endorsed by nearly 300 organizations and individuals. *Mr. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director – People's Watch* who has played a crucial role in the Civil Society report, is scheduled to visit in Kolkata on 25th February, 2008. Mr. Henri is also working as* Ad-hoc Convener of People's Forum for UPR in **India*. Taking this opportunity he is glad to place a briefing on this subject and lead a discussion on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), specifically on the NGO's role and their report. It is also taken into consideration that any participant of *West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand & Orissa* in the discussion wishing to present any issue of the like nature is requested to serve the soft and hard copy of the same to the undersigned before hand. We are sure that this discussion will be very informative and helpful for all concerned in present and future prospects in combating for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the country in accordance with international humanitarian laws, so that impunity be stopped. We expect that the participants will bear their own travel cost however who needs financial assistance for travel we will bear charges of Bus/Train (2ndclass/Sleeper class in case of night journey). We cordially invite you to attend this meeting on:- *Date: **25th February 2008** (Monday) Time: **11a.m.** To **3:00pm*** *Venue: Birla Planetarium seminar hall, **J.L.Nehru Road**, Kolkata, (in front of Victoria Memorial) * Thanking you, Yours truly, (Kirity Roy) President, MASUM Note:- 1. Tea and Lunch will be bourn by us 2. There is no arrangement for night stay 3. RSVP -- Kirity Roy President Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) 26 Guitendal Lane Howrah 711101 West Bengal INDIA Mobile: 09903099699 Tele Fax : +91-33-2640 4118 Phone: +91-33-2640 4520 e. mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.masum.org.in
