Hlamzuih (Infant Death) Practice in Mizoram: A Case for Cultural-Human Rights Based Social Work
摘要
This chapter attempts to contextualize human rights social work practice in the Mizo society of Northeast India. It explores a possible path towards social work intervention defined by an interplay between cultural practice and human rights, specifically the rights of the child. The practice of Hlamzuih captured through empirical research is critically analyzed based on the principles enshrined in the International Human Rights frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as well as the Constitution of India and the guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Using a rights-based perspective, the Hlamzuih practice is criticized and legal reforms for the practice are proposed in alignment with contemporary human rights standards. The chapter strongly suggests a cultural-human rights social work practice to address the issues, which include community awareness, legal reforms, provisions for psychological wellbeing, and inclusive decision-making.