Monday, February 2, 2015

Government says stronger institutions mean stricter adherence to human rights



The Philippine government continues to work to have stronger institutions by strengthening the Justice system, the police and the military for them to observe human rights, according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

In the Human Rights Watch 2015, it indicated that the Philippine government’s overall record in addressing serious human rights violations remains poor despite some major initiatives last year.

As the report acknowledges the human rights record in the country, it enticed President Aquino to take decisive actions against torture and extrajudicial killings.

"Patuloy na sinisikap ng ating pamahalaan na mapalakas ang ating mga pampublikong institusyon, kabilang na diyan ang ating criminal justice system, ang ating militar at kapulisan para sila ay maging balwarte ng pagtatanghal sa mga karapatang pantao," Secretary Coloma said.

Coloma said that one good example was the creation of the Aquino-Diokno Shrine for Human Rights in Nueva Ecija.

The shrine in Fort Magsaysay used to be a solitary confinement facility for former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and Jose Diokno, major figures who fought the martial law.

In the 656-page world report, its 25th edition, Human Rights Watch reviews human rights practices in more than 90 countries.

Human Rights Watch urges governments to recognize that human rights offer an effective moral guide in turbulent times, and that violating rights can spark or aggravate serious security challenges.

Human Rights Watch acknowledged the Aquino administration's implementation of "Justice Zones" that accelerate court proceedings.

The arrest of Retired General Jovito Palparan, the suspect in several cases of extrajudicial killings in the country, was also cited as an achievement in the report.  (PCOO News Release)

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