The group said they “find it hollow and hypocritical for the Philippine government to feign at the 43rd UN Human Rights Council session that they are open to dialogue then proceeds in incorrigibly mouthing hate speech against human rights defenders legitimately seeking succor for vicious human rights violations.”
By REIN TARINAY Bulatlat.com MANILA – Progressive organizations held protest actions in front of House of Representatives calling on legislators to uphold democracy, March 10. The Lower House held hearings on anti-terror bill, proposed mandatory military training for high school and college students, and bills on the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan maintained…
“We wish to reiterate that when high-level officials engage in speeches which disparages the work of human rights defenders, they undermine the value of their vital work, denigrate them in the eyes of the public and may put them at risk of threats, violence or other forms of harassment.” By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com…
UN Special Rapporteur on the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms Fionnuala Ní Aoláin said in her report that most policies countering terrorism worldwide directly contributes to human rights violations. By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL Bulatlat.com MANILA – Any policy to counter violent extremism must comply with international human rights law. A…
By RAYMUND B. VILLANUEVA Kodao Productions GENEVA, Switzerland—A team of Filipino rights defe9nders here are preparing for another busy week calling for investigations by the United Nations (UN) on the state of human rights in the Philippines. With three oral interventions one after the other last Friday, March 6, and another last Monday, March 2,…
At least 16 faith-based and rights organizations have submitted their reports on the human rights situation in the Philippines. This is in response to the call for submission by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachellet after the UN Human Rights Council adopted the Iceland’s resolution to look into the…
“He [Duterte] has once again blatantly weaponized the law against those who dare stand up against his atrocious policies.”
“Even members of their mercenary force like Ime, an indigenous Dumagat and an active Cafgu, experience harassment. For P4,500, the Army gets to step on indigenous people’s rights and dignity.”
“The [anti-terror] bill provides powers to the executive branch that properly belong to the judicial branch.”
“Don’t we have the right to seek protection for ourselves? And perjury? We are God-fearing. We are not liars. They are the ones who lie.”
“Removing or lowering these penalties gives State authorities a free pass, if not outright approval and endorsement, for violations on human rights and civil liberties…”