"Advocating Dharma And Ahimsa: Mitigating Human Rights Violations And Vulnerabilities Among Indigenous Communities In The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)"

Abstract

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh is home to indigenous communities facing persistent human rights violations and vulnerabilities. This paper investigates the applicability of India's philosophical tenets, Dharma (duty and righteousness) and Ahimsa (non-violence), in addressing these pressing issues. The statement of the problem revolves around the enduring challenges faced by indigenous populations in the CHT, including conflicts, discrimination, marginalization, and land disputes, which perpetuate human rights abuses and societal vulnerabilities.

The major research question driving this inquiry is: How can the principles of Dharma and Ahimsa contribute to mitigating human rights violations and vulnerabilities experienced by indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts?

The objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to analyze the relevance of Dharma and Ahimsa in the context of contemporary human rights challenges, particularly those faced by indigenous groups in the CHT; and secondly, to propose strategies and interventions informed by these principles to address the identified human rights violations and vulnerabilities.

Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing legal analysis, cultural studies, and human rights perspectives, this research endeavours to uncover insights into the potential of India's philosophical traditions to inform and guide human rights advocacy and policy-making.

The major findings of this study reveal the enduring relevance of Dharma and Ahimsa in fostering empathy, inclusivity, and social justice. Moreover, the research identifies opportunities for incorporating indigenous perspectives, drawing from India's rich cultural heritage, into the global human rights discourse. By emphasizing the importance of upholding Dharma and Ahimsa, this study advocates for a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to addressing human rights violations and vulnerabilities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and beyond