Canada supports human rights education for PHL soldiers

In a continuing effort to support the government of the Philippines in addressing priorities concerning human rights education among soldiers and military officers, the Embassy of Canada recently organized a roundtable discussion for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and representatives from civil society and the Commission on Human Rights.

“The enhancement of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) culture in the military can be achieved through education and training, advocacy campaigns and engagement with stakeholders,” said Canada’s Ambassador Christopher Thornley. “Through supporting events like the roundtable discussion we aim to assist in the compliance and awareness of IHL among military personnel.”

The roundtable discussion is one of the initiatives the Embassy of Canada has been implementing in support of human rights education. In partnership with Pinoy Equitas, a group of human rights workers and advocates who received training in Canada, the Embassy has been facilitating the roll-out of the annual National Human Rights Training Program for grassroots human rights leaders, and the development of human rights training modules for members of the security sector including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Human rights education for military and police personnel was a recommendation made by Canada to the government of the Philippines during the universal periodic review of the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2008.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to help improve not only the appreciation of human rights, but its application in day to day operations in the context of the military,” said Ambassador Thornley. “Canada will continue to make human rights protection and promotion a priority of our work in the Philippines.”

– Press release from the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines