PRESS RELEASE
May 9, 2024
Montréal, QC – The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP Canada) held its 3rd Conference and General Assembly during a time of heightened global conflict and escalating human rights violations. The conference brought together over 100 delegates from the interfaith community, trade union and migrant workers, academics, lawyers, and youth, dedicated to supporting the democratic rights of the Filipino people and advancing human rights globally.
The conference highlighted Canada’s role as a key actor in supplying arms to ongoing conflicts and engaging in exploitative labour practices and resource extraction, while neglecting the worsening social, economic, and environmental conditions in the Philippines and worldwide.
The current Marcos-Duterte administration has marked a continuation and escalation of violent and repressive rule, drawing international attention from organizations such as the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, and the International Criminal Court.
Distinguished keynote speakers, Atty. Neri Colmenares, former Philippine congressman and human rights lawyer; Amirah Lidasan, Co-Chairperson of Sandugo – Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination; and Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of KARAPATAN, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conference particularly focusing on the theme of red-tagging and countering false narratives. They encouraged participants to continue their acts of solidarity, noting that the continued support from Canadians has been a source of inspiration in their struggle for human rights, peace and democracy.
Red-tagging, a tactic where individuals are branded as “communists” or “terrorists” without evidence or due process, is frequently employed by state and non-state actors in the Philippines towards activists and dissenters, including those abroad in Canada. The Supreme Court of the Philippines has acknowledged that such practices threaten the “right to life, liberty, and security”. The conference sought to draw attention to these forms of repression and support the Filipino people with asserting their democratic rights.
Thematic workshops covered critical areas such as charting paths to just peace in the Philippines, amplifying voices of marginalized Indigenous and Moro peoples, understanding Canada’s global relations, and fostering interfaith responses to red-tagging.
Action-oriented workshops empowered participants to advocate for human rights within Canadian institutions, combat social media disinformation, promote interfaith dialogue on human rights, and mobilize resources for solidarity efforts.
While accomplishments and victories have been achieved since the last assembly, the escalating human rights violations committed by the government of President Marcos underscore the urgent need for continued action. The conference concluded with the election of new officers and council members, poised to further the coalition’s mission of advancing human rights advocacy.
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