The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vehemently condemns the shooting and attempt against the life of Atty. Ariff A. Lao, Provincial Director of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC). According to the BHRC, an unidentified assailant shot the driver’s side of Atty. Lao’s vehicle that was parked along Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City on 6 August 2022 at around 7:00 PM.

This latest brazen attempt on the life of a human rights defender reflects the continuing climate of hostility faced by many human rights workers. We call on all concerned authorities to take swift action to ensure accountability on this case and all similar violations and threats against those working in defense of human rights. Preventive mechanisms must also be expediently put in place to curb further threats and violence.

We ardently request the new administration to take proactive measures to reverse the chilling effect on human rights work created by the numerous attacks and violations committed against human rights defenders. Protecting the rights and welfare of human rights workers will genuinely show the government’s commitment in upholding its human rights obligations.

CHR is also counting on the 19th Congress to refile and prioritize the bill protecting human rights workers and advocates. Concrete legal protection and mechanisms for human rights workers is vital in reviving the human rights situation in the country towards upholding the rights of all, particularly the most vulnerable ones. ###