A mass communication student gives her opinion on the role of media in reporting human rights issues during Friday's forum workshop launched by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines as part of commemorating the fourth year of the Ampatuan massacre and the third year of the International Day to End Impunity. (davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani)
“Someone said fear and anxiety make impunity thrive. My impression is forgetting is the bigger enemy of accountability, and the biggest ally of impunity. When we forget, we allow criminals or human rights violators to get away with murder,” said Carlos Conde, Philippine researcher for Human Rights Watch.
Eight years since her death, Hernandez’s family found a ray of hope when the UNHRC issued its decision in August 2010. The Committee found the Philippine government guilty of violating Article 6 of the Covenant which states, “Every human being has the inherent right to life. This right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.”
“Let’s go beyond remembering the victims. The people should stand up and act against impunity. We can’t be silent anymore,” said Jessie Casalda, chair of National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Davao City Chapter
IT HAS BEEN four years since 58 individuals, including 32 journalists and media workers, were brutally killed in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao. To date, no one has been convicted of murder…