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Press Statement – August 20,
2008
Reference: Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Secretary General (09178176274)
Amidst armed conflict and political repression, human rights work must
be carried out vigorously
The heightening armed conflict in Mindanao, brought about to a large
extent by the government's bungling of the GRP-MILF peace process, is
again resulting to massive violations of human rights and international
humanitarian law.
We add our voice to the many who call on parties to the armed conflict,
especially state security forces, to abide by their obligation to uphold
human rights and protect the lives of civilians.
In the face of military offensives in Mindanao and the continuing
political repression being presided over by the Arroyo administration
calls for greater vigilance and determination in carrying out human rights
work.
Never has there been a time after the downfall of the martial law regime
of dictator Marcos has human rights been and are being so viciously
trampled upon as now, the incumbency of the Arroyo regime.
Like Marcos, and her predecessors after the hated dictatorship, the Arroyo
regime, backed by its imperial US master, has embarked on a
counter-insurgency program called Oplan Bantay Laya I and II supposedly to
end the communist insurgency; this time targeting the leaders, key members
and even ordinary members of organizations which have been historically in
the forefront of advocating for fundamental reforms in government and
society.
Thus, extrajudicial killings,
enforced disappearances, torture, displacement and other human rights
violations have once again become the features of the present regime which
is now being hated by the populace. Among the 910 victims of extrajudicial
killings are 33 leaders and workers of KARAPATAN.
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As in the martial law years,
human rights work has again become a very dangerous job for human rights
workers. The vicious labelling of oppositionists to the policies of the
ruling power as "communists" and "terrorists" to include human rights
workers, has been resurrected to justify a campaign of state terror meant
to silence legitimate dissent and opposition.
In the face of threats and attacks on human rights workers, KARAPATAN
asserts to carry out its human rights work: documenting cases of rights
violations, assisting victims, campaigning for the promotion of and
respect for human rights. For the past 13 years, the Alliance has been
journeying hand in hand with victims of human rights violations to secure
justice and combat impunity.
In commemoration of its 13th Anniversary, KARAPATAN affirms its commitment
to the service of the Filipino people, through human rights work. Today,
August 20, a forum entitled, "Karapatan at 13: Defending human rights,
advancing people's rights," is being held at the Claro M. Recto Hall of
the University of the Philippines, bastion of activism and liberal
education in the country.
KARAPATAN marked its week-long anniversary celebration with a forum
because the Alliance wishes to align itself with human rights defenders
from the academe and other sectors to reach out to the youth and persuade
them to join the ranks of human rights defenders.
Today too, we celebrate the lives and give tribute to KARAPATAN leaders
and workers who have given up their lives in doing their work and we
re-affirm the Alliance's unity with victims of human rights violations in
the struggle for justice and against impunity. ### |
