Introduction

The Zogam Charter serves as the guiding constitutional framework of the Zomi people. It is rooted in the principles of truth, justice, freedom, equality, and self-determination. While primarily affirming the indigenous rights of the Zomi people, the Charter also embeds minority protection mechanisms applicable to all inhabitants of Zogam, ensuring inclusivity, non-discrimination, and universal freedoms in line with international human rights norms.

Key Minority Protection Components

1. Recognition of Indigenous & Minority Rights

  • Zomi as Indigenous People: The Charter affirms the Zomi’s inalienable rights to land, culture, and identity by virtue of being autochthonous to Zogam.
  • Equal Rights for All Inhabitants: All people living in Zogam are guaranteed cultural, religious, and traditional freedoms regardless of origin.

2. Universal Rights and Freedoms

  • Religious Freedom: All inhabitants enjoy the right to belief, religion, and worship without discrimination.
  • Cultural Rights: Protection of traditions, languages, and practices of all communities.
  • Equality and Liberty: Assured equal treatment under the law, guaranteeing fundamental liberties such as freedom of expression, association, and assembly.

3. Institutional Safeguards

The Charter creates dedicated departments tasked with upholding minority rights and addressing vulnerabilities:

  • Department of Women’s Affairs – safeguards women’s equality, empowerment, and representation.
  • Department of Religious Affairs – protects the right of all faiths to coexist peacefully and without persecution.
  • Department of Judiciary Affairs – ensures justice, fairness, and equality for all inhabitants of Zogam.

4. Non-Discrimination Clauses

Article IX of the Charter provides explicit safeguards:

“ZPCC shall strive for its goal of Federated Zogam without any discrimination based on regional background, gender, and socio-economic status, and shall work for equality, equity, and fairness for all Zomi”.

This provision ensures that minority groups, marginalized communities, and vulnerable individuals are protected in governance and development processes.

5. Alignment with International Human Rights Norms

The Charter situates Zomi and Zogam rights within global frameworks:

  • Affirms self-determination rights in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
  • Upholds commitments of the 1947 Panglong Agreement, which recognized ethnic equality and autonomy.
  • Embeds federal democratic principles, ensuring checks against majoritarian domination.

Conclusion

The Zogam Charter is not only a declaration of Zomi self-determination, but also a framework for inclusive governance that guarantees protection for minorities and all inhabitants of Zogam. Through its guarantees of equality, non-discrimination, religious and cultural freedom, and institutional safeguards, the Charter aligns with international human rights standards and indigenous rights frameworks.

The ZPCC calls on the international community to recognize and support these provisions as part of the Zomi people’s struggle for dignity, protection, and self-determined governance.

📧 Contact: info@zpcc.net
🌐 Website: https://zpcc.net