Grace Lyu Collins
{{Short description|American human rights activist}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Grace Lyu Collins
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Grace Lyu Collins
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1960}}
| birth_place = United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| other_names =
| occupation = Human rights activist
| years_active = 1998–present
| known_for = Advocacy for Naga self-determination, founder of Naga-American Council
| notable_works = Representation of Naga issues in international forums
}}
Grace Lyu Collins is an American human rights activist and advocate for the self‐determination of the Naga people. Recognized as the Honorary President of Nagalim and the founder of the Naga‑American Council, she has worked extensively to bring international attention to the human rights issues and political struggles in Nagalim.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-12-30 |title=Shifting Diplomacy: Is US going to destabilize India |url=https://www.imphaltimes.com/articles/shifting-diplomacy-is-us-going-to-destabilize-india/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Imphal Times |language=en-US}}
Early life and background
Grace Lyu Collins was born to a family of Korean origin that settled in the United States.{{Cite web |title=Nagalim.NL News |url=http://www.nagalim.nl/news/archive-112006.html |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=www.nagalim.nl}} Raised in a Christian environment—with her father serving as a reverend—she was instilled with strong ethical and humanitarian values from an early age.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-26 |title=Naga-American council seeks international support for Naga independence, slams PM Modi for being silent on Manipur crisis |url=https://www.indiatodayne.in/nagaland/story/naga-american-council-seeks-international-support-for-naga-independence-slams-pm-modi-for-being-silent-on-manipur-crisis-620727-2023-07-26 |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=India Today NE |language=hi}} These early influences later shaped her passion for human rights and social justice, leading her to pursue studies and engagements in international human rights forums, including participation at the United Nations World Human Rights Commission.{{Cite web |title=Grace Collins represents Nagas not factions: NSCN (IM) |url=https://www.morungexpress.com/grace-collins-represents-nagas-not-factions-nscn-im |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=MorungExpress}}{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/stream/214000-india_grace-collins_government-of-the-peoples/214000-india_grace-collins_government-of-the-peoples_djvu.txt |title=India_Grace Collins_Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim_2011-2-15 |date=2011-07-01 |others=Alison Nabatoff (Project on Government Oversight) |language=English}}
Activism and career
Collins first became involved in human rights activism during her college years. Her interest in the issues of oppression and self‐determination deepened when, at an exhibition in Geneva, she encountered the plight of the Naga people.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtHMHUld6zA |title=The BREAKUP of India? Nagalim, Pakistan & The Global Powers' Agenda {{!}} Podcast with Grace Collins |date=2025-01-13 |last=Great Game Pakistan |access-date=2025-03-31 |via=YouTube}} Captivated by their struggle, she dedicated herself to raising awareness about the ongoing human rights violations in Nagalim.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-27 |title=Naga-American Council Seeks Nagas Right To Self-determination & Independence; Raises Concern Over Manipur Riots |url=https://ukhrultimes.com/naga-american-council-seeks-nagas-right-to-self-determination-raises-concern-over-manipur-riots/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Ukhrul Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juKoUTpCvSY |title=Nagaland - Interview with Grace Collins Part II |date=2020-08-30 |last=Conflict Solutions International |access-date=2025-03-31 |via=YouTube}} Over the years, she has worked with Naga community representatives—including activists, church leaders, student groups, and survivors of human rights abuses—to build an international network of support for the Naga cause.{{Cite web |title=Grace Collins is a ‘friend of the Nagas’: NSCN (I-M) |url=https://morungexpress.com/grace-collins-is-a-friend-of-the-nagas-nscn-i-m |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=MorungExpress}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-07-26 |title=Naga-American Council Demands Independent Nagalim, Receives International Support |url=https://thereaderstime.in/naga-american-council-demands-independent-nagalim-receives-international-support/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=The Readers Time |language=en-US}}
In her efforts to provide a platform for the Nagas, Collins founded the Naga‑American Council.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So_cAdwR3nM&feature=youtu.be |title=“PRESIDENT OF NAGALIM" GRACE COLLINS: PEACEMAKER OR TROUBLEMAKER? |date=2025-01-20 |last=Nagaland News Network |access-date=2025-03-31 |via=YouTube}} Through this organization, she has engaged in dialogue with U.S. policymakers and international organizations to address issues such as the impact of Indian government policies in Nagalim, the consequences of security laws, and the broader demand for self‑determination by the Naga people.
Collins's activism has not been without controversy. Within the complex political landscape of Naga movements, different factions have sometimes disputed her role.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-07-26 |title=Naga-American Council amplifies Naga independence, slams Modi for not denouncing Manipur violence |url=https://mokokchungtimes.com/naga-american-council-amplifies-naga-independence-slams-modi-for-not-denouncing-manipur-violence/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Mokokchung Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-02-13 |title=The lobbyist and the quilt |url=https://ethanzuckerman.com/2012/02/12/the-lobbyist-and-the-quilt/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Ethan Zuckerman |language=en-US}} For instance, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K) has criticized her, questioning both her motivations and methods. In contrast, other groups—such as the NSCN (I-M)—have defended her, saying that her efforts are directed toward representing the Nagas as a whole rather than serving any single faction's interests.{{Cite web |last=Ullah |first=Atta |title=Is India on Path of Dismemberment? |url=https://strafasia.com/is-india-on-path-of-dismemberment/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Strafasia {{!}} Strategy, analysis, News and insight of Emerging Asia |language=en-GB}}[https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/2022/05/16/speech-of-yilow-humtsoe-the-acting-president-of-naga-national-council-on-the-occasion-of-the-naga-national-plebiscite-day/ Speech of Yilow Humtsoe the acting president of Naga National Council on the occasion of the Naga National Plebiscite Day] This internal discord reflects the broader challenges of uniting diverse groups under a common struggle for human rights and self-determination.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thDrBsJIoh4 |title=Nagaland - Interview with Grace Collins Part I |date=2020-08-30 |last=Conflict Solutions International |access-date=2025-03-31 |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=Balachandran |first=P. K. |date=2024-05-30 |title=Is The West Mulling Support To Nagas’ Movement For Sovereignty? |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/30052024-is-the-west-mulling-support-to-nagas-movement-for-sovereignty/ |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=Eurasia Review |language=en-US}}