NEWS RELEASE
17 December 2007

Reference: MA. ESMERALDA P. MACASPAC,

Executive Director (09209102927)

CHILDREN HUMAN RIGHTS VICTIMS HOLD DIALOGUE WITH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Children-victims of human rights violations from different parts of the country trooped to the office of the Commission on Human Rights this morning to present their plight resulting from militarization of their communities. “They are seeking a precious gift this Christmas from the government – that is justice. And we hope that the government will not disappoint the children this time,” said Ma. Esmeralda Macaspac, Executive Director of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC), a non-government organization providing psycho-social help to children-victims of human rights violations.

Particularly highlighted in the dialogue were the cases of the children internal refugees from Lianga, Surigao del Sur and General Luna, Quezon who remain in evacuation centers to date; children-victims of torture by the military in Parola, Tondo; a 16-year old girl who was maimed by indiscriminate fire and charged with rebellion; and children of alleged Abu Sayyaf prisoners in Camp Bagong Diwa.

The CRC conducted a workshop with the children to facilitate their psychological release through peer sharing and counselling. “Their experiences were contextualized with discussions on children’s rights and the whole situation of Filipino children. From there, they were able to come up with the concrete response they seek from the government regarding their plight,” said Macaspac.

Aside from the CHR, the children are scheduled to go to the House of Representatives and the Senate to seek the help of their representatives. “These children have been deprived of their rights. Now, we are facilitating the children’s exercise of their right to free expression to the right channels. Hopefully, this will send a message to them that even as children, they have the right to be heard,” Macaspac added. ###
 

Origami and Christmas cards made by the children-victims

were presented to the CHR group

For Reference: REP. LUZVIMINDA C. ILAGAN 0920-9213221
Lorraine Gallegos Public Information Officer (0906-2278971)

Gabriela Women's Party representatives Luz Ilagan and Liza Maza filed a resolution against massive military operations in the countryside increasing the numbers of children internally displaced and experiencing various human rights violations.

"Children are the most vulnerable in an armed conflict. A government which is responsible for putting lives of children in danger and violating their most basic rights to be protected from harm can be considered an inhuman government. The massive military operations in the countryside are clear evidences of government neglect in ensuring the safety and protection of children.

Rep. Ilagan is alarmed at the increasing number of children caught in armed conflict. From 2001 to 2007, a total of 60 children have been killed under these circumstances. In August of this year, five children—ages 9 to 17 were killed by military state forces. All of them were tagged as child soldiers and members of revolutionary New People's Army and Abu Sayyaf group.

"These children were innocent victims of the state's offensive against its enemies but were labeled as combatants to hide military atrocities against the children. The Armed Forces of the Philippines can never cover up their violations of the children's human rights." Ilagan further adds.

Even government reports show that this year alone; about 95,600 to 115,600 people were displaced by armed conflict since January 2007 mainly in Mindanao. In the past two months, the ongoing offensive against the Abu Sayyaf continually placed lives of civilians in danger as the AFP conducted intensive operations in municipalities suspected to be Abu Sayyaf lair.

Ilagan, a former educator, is concerned about the consequences of armed conflict on the children's welfare. The displacement has forced children to stop schooling during the time of military operations. Children survivors show signs of trauma and depression; prolonged military operations have impeded the children's development. ►►►►

 

Inquirer news:

Child-victims of military operations air Christmas wishes

Along with Gabriela Women's Representatives Ilagan and Maza, the Children's Rehabilitation Center and Salinlahi Alliance for Children's Concerns will be supporting the resolution.#

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