Human Rights Defenders have the Rights!

With these mantras, many tools have been mustered to usher effective advocacies and facilitate peoples’ solidarity with those who face persecution. The social media for one made people see the actions going on. Captured pictures and videos not allowed in a ‘seemingly’ controlled media have found their way through available modern communication technology, reaching even the remotest areas many people have not known to exist. Appeals for help and international solidarity are made timely, on time and online. ‘Revolutions’ for human rights have become virtual reality through communication gadgets made available for ordinary people. What is inspiring, people have mastered these technologies to spread out the news, the truth and the dream of people to be free. And, recognize the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world (UDHR, 1948; ICCPR, 1966; ICESCR, 1966).

On December 10, human rights defenders are celebrating too the 13^th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. Their noble desire to promote the well-being of all has prompted the United Nations (UN) to pass Resolution A/RES/53/144 in 1998. It recognizes the importance and legitimacy of the works of those who are at the forefront of defending human rights. It acknowledges the vital role of HRDs in the implementation of human rights both in the international and on the domestic levels.

On these two important occasions, Human Rights Defenders-Pilipinas asserts that:

• Everyone has the right to promote and strive for the protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
• Everyone has the freedom of assembly, association and the right to communicate;
• Everyone has the right to know, seek, receive and disseminate human rights information and form/hold opinions on the matter for public attention;
• We have the right to develop new human rights ideas and advocate for their acceptance;
• We have the right to effective access and participate in the conduct of public affairs, and to submit proposals and criticism;
• We have the right to an effective remedy and protection from violation, the right to complain about official acts, the right to observe trials, and the right to unhindered access to international bodies;
• Everyone has the right to participate in peaceful activities publicizing human rights violations and to be protected against violence or adverse discrimination.

Human Rights Defenders have the RIGHTS. Let everyone put them to heart.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Renato G. Mabunga
Chairperson, Human Rights Defenders-Pilipinas
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 437-8054