by Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) – 24 Sept 2019
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, whose relations with international bodies have turned sour, has been listed among 48 countries that registered a rising retaliation against civil society groups and human rights defenders who have been cooperating with the United Nations.
The UN Human Rights Office said it has been receiving numerous information on intimidation and reprisals against victims, members of civil society groups and activists in many countries – reflecting a rise in cases globally.
“Some governments seem prepared to go to almost any length to punish people who cooperate with us. This may actually underscore the justice of the victims’ causes,” said Andrew Gilmour, UN assistant secretary-general for human rights.
The report, presented on Thursday to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, revealed that the cases range from activists suffering detention and prison sentences, to acts of intimidation including filming of participants at meetings, including on UN premises, without their consent.
Allegations of intimidation and reprisals against victims, members of civil society and activists in the Philippines were also presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva by delegation from the country.
Aside from Ecuvoice, representatives from the Philippine UPR Watch, Karapatan, Rise Up for Life and for Rights, Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF), Promotion of Church Peoples Response, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and the Ramento Project for Rights Defenders are participating in the rights sessions in Geneva. – With Alexis Romero, Marc Jason Cayabyab
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
