|
Press Release – August 24,
2008
Reference: Marie Hilao-Enriquez, Secretary General (09178176274)
Ruth Cervantes, Public Information Office (09189790580)
In the face of escalating conflict, rights group calls on the Parties to
stop the hostilities
Rights group reiterates call on the Parties in conflict to ensure the
safety of civilians at all times; stop the hostilities and resolve issues
on the negotiating table
KARAPATAN reiterates the call it earlier made to both Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government to abide by their obligations
to uphold human rights and protect the lives of civilians at all times.
"In advancing the legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination
of the Bangsamoro people, the MILF must accomplish their objectives with
utmost respect for civilians. Attacks on civilians, especially children,
is a deplorable act that will not earn the sympathy of anyone but only
condemnation," declared Marie Hilao-Enriquez, secretary general of
KARAPATAN.
"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," said Hilao-Enriquez, adding that the military
offensives have likewise caused violations such as forced evacuation and
destruction of properties. Media has reported several incidents of
civilians who were hurt due to mortar shelling by government forces .
|
Hilao-Enriquez said "With the
escalating number of evacuees, the two sides must stop the hostilities and
return to the negotiating table to resolve the thorny issues. The
evacuees' well-being must be considered." KARAPATAN also called on
government troops to allow peace, relief and fact-finding missions to
conduct their humanitarian work unhampered.
"We also take exception to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' campaign
of incitement to violence against KARAPATAN members," Hilao-Enriquez
commented on the text messages being circulated in Davao by alleged
elements of the AFP against KARAPATAN, accusing the rights group of
tolerating the atrocities allegedly committed by the MILF.
"We denounce this latest tactics to discredit KARAPATAN members in the
face of heightened conflict in Mindanao. This is a dirty ploy to utilize
the conflict, muddle the issue and increase the risks against the already
endangered lives of our workers who are diligently doing their work as
human rights defenders. We call on these agents to refrain from this foul
and cowardly act," Hilao-Enriquez said. ### |
