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For human rights alliance Karapatan, CHR’s conclusions reinforced its long-standing calls to abolish the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, a state-run agency that has been blatantly red-tagging progressive groups and advocates.
The Commission reminded the state of its obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, which require humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and safeguard against inhumane or degrading conditions.
“While it is still not working, when the law is not implemented, it is mere embellishment."
Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said the inquiry is an “important step in coming up with a clear picture of how prevalent red-tagging is across the country and its detrimental effects on the conduct of human rights work, and what accountability mechanisms can be adopted to put a stop to it.”
“We appeal to the Commission of Human Rights to help us remind the government to honor the rights of Cumpio under the Mandela Rules and other human rights related to her being a political detainee."
Under Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, hors de combat (incapacitated combatants/out of fight) either through sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall be treated humanely.
Khan noted the order replacing the recently concluded “United Nations Joint Programme on technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the Philippines” (UNJP) downgrades the role of CSOs, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the UN instead of encouraging full participation.
The fact-finding team on the disappearance of a labor organizer said that there are eyewitness reports that the Philippine military is involved.
"Given the example set by the late CHR Chair Chito Gascon, Atty. Palpal-latoc has big shoes to fill. But we hope to see the same exacting standards of integrity, independence, probity, steadfastness as well as openness and support for victims of human rights violations that are demanded of him and the entire commission especially amid a pervasive climate of impunity."
“The country lost a dedicated public servant who never cowered in fear in asserting people’s rights and civil liberties despite every curse and insult of a tyrannical president since 2016."
"This only proves that the 'nanlaban' narrative of the police is a lie."
This Women's Month, rights group Karapatan called on the Commission on Human Rights to look into the case of pregnant Elizabeth Estilon, and Enriqueta Guelas, 62, who were arrested on Dec. 24, 2020 following a raid in barangay Lalod, Bulusan, Sorsogon and charged with violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
“Rights are not won through silence, through fence sitting and inaction. Rights are won and claimed through difficult, arduous, beautiful, creative and vibrant struggle.”
Clamor said the attempts to discredit human rights defenders and progressive organisations aim to prevent them from pursuing justice for the victims of rights violations.
The attack on the CHR reinforces the prevailing impunity in killings whether in the anti-drug war or in counterinsurgency or counter terror operations.
“This is a welcome development though it is five years late.”
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
A fact finding mission confirmed suspicions that four-year-old Rodelyn was killed by an explosion caused by an M203 grenade, belying claims of the military that an improvised explosive device from the NPA was the cause.
By RONALYN V. OLEA
It has been 26 years since dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos was toppled but the victims of tyranny have not received any compensation from the government.
“Harry, listen to the innermost voice of your heart and correct the wrong done to this mother. Tell me where I can find my son.”
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