The Commission on Human Rights joins the observance today, 24 March 2020, of the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. The right to full and complete truth regarding such violations is key to providing justice, reparation, and honor for the dignity of the victims.

As we commemorate this day, let us pay tribute to the victims of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture by demanding for truth and accountability. We can only fully honor their dignity and the immense suffering of their families who are left behind by ensuring that full justice is attained and necessary reparation is given.

Similarly, we honor and laud those who unrelentingly defend the victims of human rights abuses and denounce such violations even at the expense of risking their lives. Their sacrifice and courage fuel the promotion and protection of the human rights of all particularly the vulnerable ones.

As we are faced with a health crisis due to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), we witness the similar sacrifices of our frontliners who risk their lives to defend and protect the right to health and safety of everyone. To truly honor their sacrifices, we reiterate our call for expedient provision of sufficient protection gears and supplies, transportation, and other support that all frontline workers need. We also earnestly remind patients to be truthful about their travel histories and conditions so no more health workers are further imperiled.

In the same vein, we call for transparency and respect for human rights during the quarantine period to prevent any abuses that can mar the efforts to contain COVID-19. Let us remain vigilant and look after one another, especially the plight of the most disadvantaged sectors, so we can thwart and stand up against any violation that denigrate human dignity. ###