Amnesty International urges PH gov’t to address rights violations

A rights group emphasized that their annual reports consistently reveal that undermining people’s agency and stripping them of their dignity are core elements of entrenched human rights violations.

Nobel laureate Amnesty International celebrated its 63rd anniversary on May 28 with a press conference in Cagayan de Oro City, during the final leg of the launch of its State of the World’s Human Rights 2023/24 Report.

“A situation worsened by the government’s neglect of its obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights is at the core of abuses and violations,” said Butch Olano, Amnesty International Philippines Section Director.

He noted that while this period is typically celebratory for Amnesty International, the findings of their latest report dampen the mood. He thanked the Commission on Human Rights for their engagement, affirming that local issues highlighted in the report are accurate and even more pervasive than documented.

As part of its policy advocacy, Amnesty reached out to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. through the Office of the Executive Secretary to include his input in the report’s global launch and facilitate a dialogue. Recently, the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC) confirmed that a dialogue with relevant agencies has been arranged.

“The upcoming dialogue is the result of our relentless efforts to engage the government in demanding accountability. While we received a positive response this time, President Marcos’ overall dismissive stance on human rights emboldens violations across all levels of government,” Olano pointed out.

Olano also criticized Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s pronouncement to revive his father’s “war on drugs,” reflecting President Marcos’ indifference to human rights.

He argued that this attitude signals to businesses that they can exploit workers and the environment without consequence, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, LGBTQI+ members, and indigenous peoples.

Amnesty reiterated concerns about “red-tagging,” noting that it increasingly targets environmental and land rights defenders.

The Manobo-Pulangiyon tribe has become a recent victim of this practice, facing displacement and false accusations while their ancestral lands are encroached upon by businesses.

“President Marcos may not be directly involved in specific human rights violations like those in the ‘war on drugs’ or the plight of indigenous peoples, but his leadership significantly impacts the country. Several critical issues, including human rights, hang in the balance under his slow pace,” Olano said. (PR)