Student Christian Movement of the Philippines

NCCP Compound,  879 Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Mobile Number 09289526973                              e-mail:  scmp_national@yahoo.com

CONVENOR: TANGGULAN Youth Network for Civil Liberties and Human Rights

 

NEWS RELEASE

International Human Rights Day

December 10, 2007

 

REFERENCE: Ma. Cristina Guevarra, Secretary General, 09186106275

                           Biyaya Quizon, Chairperson, 09265185423

 

"Filipinos' right to life violated everyday"

Christian youth join protests on Human Rights Day

 

Members of Student Christian Movement of the Philippines joined protests in commemoration of International Human Rights Day, believing that Filipinos' right to life are violated almost everyday.

 

"We are here for hundreds of people harassed, imprisoned and killed only because of their commitment for human rights. We are here for our fellow students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, so that they may finally achieve justice from the abuses they suffer," SCMP chairperson Biyaya Quizon said.

 

The students brought with them lanterns that symbolize that the youth vow to "light the pathway to justice."

 

"Let us stop the indifference and impunity in our country.   Let the light we carry signify our commitment to unfold the blanket of terror this dangerous regime has put on to silence the people," Quizon said.

 

Economic rights also violated

The group explained that human rights does not only include civil and political rights, but economic rights as well. According to her, this is why there is more to protest than to celebrate this day.

 

"If prices of oil and basic commodities rise everyday, the people's right to enjoy basic needs are deprived everyday. If the youth cannot go to school because of high tuition, that is violating their right to education," Quizon said.  

 

The group said protests are sure to continue even if the nation is to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

 

"It is not against the spirit of Christmas to speak out against injustice. Lalo na, walang glorya ang Pasko hanggang nariyan si Arroyo," Quizon ended.  ###