The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) greets every Filipino—at home and those overseas—as we welcome the new year.
It gives us hope that, as the pandemic forced individuals in unprecedented situations, we have seen fellow Filipinos go above and beyond in helping their fellow kababayans in distress. From community pantry initiatives during the community quarantine; to donation drives; feeding drives and psychosocial support for traumatized victims of Taal disruptions; to ongoing relief operations to affected communities of Typhoon Odette (Rai), Filipinos gave a glimpse on the power of collective action and the exemplary bayanihan spirit even as they faced their own challenges.
Even if the pandemic forced millions of Filipinos to stay home, this did not also stop brave human rights defenders in holding government to account. Filipinos rallied on the internet, spoke out against abuses, and, with caution against Covid-19, even took to the streets the call for better services for the people that will uphold each and everyone’s human rights.
The freedom of assembly and petition for redress are rights possessed by individuals in a free and democratic society such as ours. And as we embark on this new year, we also continue to look on to you, our dear human rights defenders and advocates, to remain vigilant and to continue to speak out against abuses with the same amount of fervor.
Every new year is met with hope and happiness as we are filled with excitement for a fresh start. But as we embark on this new chapter, let us not forget the past years, no matter how painful they may be, and its lessons.
CHR continues to call for justice for violations of human rights and dignity. Let us not allow victims to be mere numbers without names and faces. We remember their stories and remind ourselves that we do not simply move on from indignities without due accountability.
Rest assured that your CHR—the independent national human rights institution that you also stood with amid challenges—reaffirms our continued commitment to the fundamentals of upholding our democracy, including most especially the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. With renewed vigor, we shall continue to stand with the least, last, and lost of the country, whose rights are often overlooked and abused, and lend our voice to the voiceless. We will continue to seek truth behind human rights violations.
CHR asks everyone to remain to be a caring community and look out for another as we embark on this year. Let us all work together in ensuring our national recovery. In our darkest days, let us be a glimmer of hope for each other. As we call on the government to do more and do better in upholding our human rights, let us be reminded that, individually, we too have an obligation to respect and protect the rights of each other.
Once again, from your Commission on Human Rights, may this year be a year of good tidings, love, and laughter for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year!