Human Rights

RP’s Election to UN Bodies Does Not Exonerate GMA of Abuses

When a country fails in its obligation to protect the lives of human rights defenders but is elected to such a prestigious UN body, it dishonors the UN as an institution and makes a mockery of its ability to promote and protect human rights, according to the Hongkong-based Asian Human Rights Commission.

Families of victims of forced disappearances hold a candle-lighting at the Baclaran church on All Souls' Day.
Families of victims of forced disappearances hold a candle-lighting ceremony at the Baclaran church on All Souls’ Day. (Photos courtesy of Arkibong Bayan.)
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Human Rights and the Quest for Justice: Arroyo’s ‘War Crimes’

In this analysis piece, the Policy Study, Publication and Advocacy (PSPA) Program of the Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) analyzes the recent filing of human-rights charges against President…

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‘Hidden Hunger’ Among Filipinos Raises Alarm

A recent survey said more Filipinos are growing hungry, but it was mainly about common hunger, i.e. lack or absence of food on the table. Other studies have found that “hidden hunger,” mainly malnutrition, is an equally troubling problem. And while Davao leads the country in food fortification, the city, as well as the rest of the country, needs to do more to ensure the prevention of illnesses and conditions — such as iron-deficiency anemia — related to lack of nutrition. Contributor Emmanuel C. Roldan reports.
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Lawyer to the People

Lawyer Federico Gapuz. (Davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
At 72, Federico Gapuz does not look like a swashbuckling lawyer with a 10-gallon Stetson hat. But make no mistake: he does not seem to have passed his prime either. Gapuz remains among the few, brave men of the legal profession who wouldn?t hesitate to come to the rescue of people prosecuted ? and persecuted — for their political beliefs. Davao Today managing editor Cheryll D. Fiel recently had the chance to chat with this ?people?s lawyer.?

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?RP Worst Place to Be a Human-Rights Lawyer?

Foreign delegates at a recent gathering of lawyers in Davao City bewailed the continued killings of activists and the harassment and other threats being faced by lawyers who take the cases of the poor and those who suffer from abuses of the state. Davao Today?s Cheryll D. Fiel reports.

Delegates to the IAPL last month. (Davaotoday.com photo by Cheryll F. Diel)
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