As a regional human rights organization, FORUM-ASIA expresses our solidarity towards all Filipino human rights defenders struggling to defend universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, at a time of serious political and governance crisis in the country.
To:
Citizens' Council for Human Rights (CCHR)
C/o Boyet Mabunga, Secretary General
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
As a regional human rights organization, FORUM-ASIA expresses our solidarity towards all Filipino human rights defenders struggling to defend universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms, at a time of serious political and governance crisis in the country.
We at FORUM-ASIA have been following the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines, particularly repression of human rights defenders, rising incidents of arrests and detention, forced closure of media establishments, curtailment of fundamental freedoms and perennial violation of economic, social and cultural rights. We were alarmed by the recent proclamation of a state of emergency, as well as the increasing crackdown on human rights defenders and political activists.
A steady pattern is indeed emerging towards the demise of hard-won freedoms in the Philippines. In this context, we believe that the march for human rights scheduled for 15th March 2006, will be an important contribution to demands for the Filipino authorities to fulfill their obligations to respect, protect and promote human rights, based on domestic and international obligations.
“People Power” in the Philippines has inspired countless movements in Asia and other parts of the world. Twenty years after the peaceful revolution that ousted a brutal dictatorship, the Philippines continues to be vigilant in promoting good governance, and protecting human rights. FORUM-ASIA, on behalf of its 31 members in 13 Asian countries, offers solidarity and support to the Filipino peoples, in unity with their struggle against all forms of human rights violations by any group or individual.
Sincerely yours,
Anselmo Lee
Executive Director
For further details, please contact Ruki Fernando (66-4-0991538 / [email protected]), Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Program Coordinator.
