The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for an independent and transparent probe into the killings, violence, and threats against human rights workers and advocates.
CHR hopes that the government heeds expediently to this repeated call with concrete steps that would ascertain accountability and justice while also implementing definitive actions to prevent any further attacks and loss of life.
We continue to denounce the practice of red-tagging activists and labeling them as terrorists for it makes them legitimate targets of attacks and threats thus endangering their lives, liberty and security. Human rights advocacy aims for the common good by reminding the government of their duty to fulfil their sworn obligation to the country. Human rights defenders should not be painted as destabilizers for calling for the protection and promotion of the rights of all especially the vulnerable sectors.
CHR notes that investigation is being conducted on the recent killings. Social justice and human rights are the prime duty of State. We hope that the government demonstrate its fidelity to human rights standards by being receptive to recommendations from independent human rights bodies and organizations.
CHR continues to offer collaboration with the government through partnership and cooperation towards accountability on human rights violation and protection of human rights workers.