Canadian government may be inadvertently enabling attacks on human rights and human rights defenders
“We are all mag-kasama: partners and participants in God’s saving and liberating acts of love, justice and peace in the world. Partners (mag-kasama) are in solidarity with and accompaniment of each other. They consult, collaborate, cooperate and coordinate with each other.”
—Mission and Service partner, National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Hundreds of concerned citizens made their voices heard by writing letters to their Members of Parliament via The United Church of Canada website. They expressed deep concern that the Canadian government may be inadvertently enabling continued attacks on human rights and human rights defenders by providing financial, programmatic, and technical support to the Government of the Philippines.
In partnership with the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP-Canada), these concerns were also brought to Parliament Hill through the speaking tour of Neri Colmenares, Filipino Human Rights Lawyer. An ICHRP-Canada and United Church of Canada delegation accompanied Colmenares in meetings with several Members of Parliament from five political parties and with representatives from Global Affairs Canada. They discussed concerns related to Canada’s pending defense cooperation memorandum of understanding with the Philippine government.
Why were these letters written?
In 2020, the Government of the Philippines passed an Anti-Terrorism Act that allows attacks on the basic rights of those who oppose the government, all in the name of fighting “terrorism.” Since then, the Philippine government has misused the act to attack human rights and human rights defenders through extrajudicial killings, false accusations, arbitrary arrests, detention, and other means.
The United Church of Canada, with other denominations and organizations, is very concerned that the Canadian government is inadvertently funding these attacks by providing support to the Government of the Philippines.
How can I stay engaged?
Save the date! The National ICHRP-Canada Conference and Third General Assembly will be held in Montreal May 3‒5, 2024. The theme of the Conference is “Resist State Terror. Stand for People’s Rights in the Philippines.” Information is available on the ICHRP-Canada website.