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A state cannot be without its people. With this, it is important that their rights are given prime importance. Human Rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights. Human rights are drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 by General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) as a common standard of achievements for all peoples and all nations.
Types of universally proclaimed rights set by the UN:
Economic, social, and cultural rights
The right to work in just and favorable conditions;
The right to social protection, to an adequate standard of living, and to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental well-being;
The right to education and the enjoyment of benefits of cultural freedom and scientific progress.
Civil and political rights
Freedom of movement; equality before the law; the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence; freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; freedom of opinion and expression; peaceful assembly; freedom of association; participation in public affairs and elections; and protection of minority rights. It prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life; torture, cruel or degrading treatment or punishment; slavery and forced labor; arbitrary arrest or detention; arbitrary interference with privacy; war propaganda; discrimination; and advocacy of racial or religious hatred.
Advocating for human rights, in general, can be broad. In this advocacy, the group highlights pressing issues in the global political scene that are also highly relevant in the Philippines.
On Achieving a Drug-Free Society: War on Drugs
One of the most talked about issues that the current generation has to deal with is the issue of usage and trafficking of illegal drug substances. Many countries, including the Philippines and the US, have resorted to violence and aggressiveness as the approach against fighting the issue of illegal drugs, and this kind of campaign is termed the “war on drugs." Countries that exercise this have faced criticism because not only does this violate the rights of life, but it also takes away their rights to justice.
In recent years, the human rights experts of the United Nations (UN) have presented the possible consequences of the war on drugs to the people which according to them undermines the health and social well-being of the people, as well as wastes the public resources with no fruitful results in eradicating the demand for illegal drugs and the illegal drug market. War on drugs, according to UN experts, also has deeply-rooted negative implications on human rights as it abuses the people’s right to liberty, fair trial, rights to health, freedom from discrimination, right to a clean and healthy environment, right to freedom of expression, and the right to equal treatment before the law. Additionally, this ‘war’ also gravely affects the world’s most vulnerable people like minorities, people of African descent, children and young people, persons with disabilities, older persons, and many more.
In essence, it can be said that the war on drugs is a war on human rights. Thus, the declaration of this campaign is a violation of human rights under the guise of a drug-free world. And in such an instance, the Philippines is no stranger when it comes to this. In the Philippines, under Duterte’s reign, many have died without proper justice. Oftentimes, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and military groups are the initiators of such killings. During Duterte’s reign, thousands were killed, and international political organizations, like the United Nations (UN) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), have been involved in addressing the issues of the war on drugs in the Philippines.
Time and again, human rights experts have expressed their intention of ending the campaign for the war on drugs by calling out to the international community. They have also emphasized the importance of promoting drug policies that are anchored in human rights. Additionally, studies and research on the effectiveness of the war on drugs in eliminating drug-related crimes most commonly declare it a failure. On the other hand, there is also an international law that says, “the right to be free from execution includes freedom from any arbitrary or extrajudicial deprivation of life, as well as freedom from the death penalty even with due process of law (ICCPR, Part III, Article 6; Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, Article 1).” This said human rights must be respected by any country in the world and different governments are legally obligated to do what they can in order to avoid the violation of this fundamental right.
Pamaging Magbalaue (On Becoming an Advocate for Change):
Addressing issues of poverty
Drug-related crimes are most commonly caused by extreme poverty that forces people to look for “easy money” in order to bring food to their families. Poverty may also be a root cause of lack of education that could potentially cause people to be less informed of the consequences attached to the usage and trafficking of illegal drug substances. Thus, addressing this issue could help lessen the number of people being involved with illegal drugs.
Enhancement and proper enforcement of drug policies in the Philippines
Drug policies in countries like the Philippines are somewhat inadequate in addressing the concern about the usage and manufacture/selling of illegal drugs (proof: war on drugs). It is necessary to advocate for the recognition that the war on drugs is not the most probable option to eradicate the usage, sale, and manufacture of illegal drug substances.
Prioritizing and improvement of health-based rehabilitation programs adapted to different communities
These community-based programs are intended for rehabilitation programs of drug users, giving them a second chance to live a different life. Developing consistent programs has the potential to reduce the rate of rehabilitated users going back on their ways and is beneficial for dealing with drug users that surrender. As students, becoming volunteers in facilities for these recovering people is a helpful step for the community.
Enforcement actions focused on reducing supply by investing time and resources in in-depth investigations that will result in the capture of high-level drug suppliers rather than low-level dealers.
It can result in the capture of high-level drug suppliers rather than low-level dealers, targeting big fishes that are the root cause of illegal drug distribution. But it is still important that any enforcement action done, regardless of its target and the nature of the violation, must be conducted within the bounds of law and due process.
Reduction of demand by investing in prevention programs
This is stemmed from research that targeted an in-depth study of the reasons why individuals choose to be involved in drug use. This can be done by students like us.
Being and staying informed
Education and being aware of the possible causes and effects of utilizing illegal drug substances are important. With such knowledge, there can be many platforms that we as students can use in order to share what we know and provide awareness. This then could help reduce the growing rates of illegal drug abuse. This can be carried out through education programs.
Proposed solutions by the global drug policy program:
End the criminalization, marginalization, and stigmatization of people who use drugs but who do no harm to others.
Encourage experimentation by governments with models of legal regulation of drugs (especially cannabis) to undermine the power of organized crime and safeguard the health and security of their citizens.
Ensure that a variety of treatment modalities are available, including not just methadone and buprenorphine treatment but also the heroin-assisted treatment programs that have proven successful in many European countries and Canada.
Apply human rights and harm reduction principles and policies both to people who use drugs as well as those involved in the lower ends of illegal drug markets such as farmers, couriers, and petty sellers.
On Gender Equality: The Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
All genders experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are LGBTQ+ and women. Throughout the years, women have been oppressed by society, which resulted in physical, sexual, and mental harm or suffering to women. According to World Health Organization, an analysis of prevalence data from the year 2020-2018 throughout 161 countries found that the ratio of women being subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by their partner or non-partner is nearly 1 in 3 or 30% and individuals who are members of the LGBTQ+ community experience discrimination, intimidation, and abuse in their daily life.
In the Philippines, gender-based violence has remained prevalent regardless of the key legislations, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Law (RA 9262), Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Safe Public Spaces Law (RA 11313). The Republic Act No. 11313 or The Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) protects all genders from any form of gender-based harassment.
Pamaging Magbalaue (On Becoming an Advocate for Change):
Provide accessible legal representation and opportunities that pursue justice against the perpetrators of violence through a formal legal justice system.
End forced marriage, early marriage, and premature pregnancy.
Create and accept laws that protect all genders against violence.
Promote gender equality in schools.
Create an awareness campaign.
Widen the spread of awareness regarding the laws and rights of every gender regarding violence.
On Ending a Culture of Violence: Mitigating Fraternity-Related Violation of Rights
It is a part of human nature as social beings to seek validation and a sense of belongingness. For many years, individuals, especially younger individuals all over the world, have sought validation and belongingness by joining fraternities and sororities. Not only for a sense of validation but the promise of socialization and possible political connections in the future entices young individuals to join fraternities or sororities. Some groups, however, have taken initiations too far and use them as excuses to abuse other people. In the Philippines, the recent death of the 24-year-old Adamson student, John Matthew Salilig, has once again sparked controversies surrounding hazing culture. The said victim, according to the police, suffered about 70 wooden paddle blows. This fuels the question around fraternities again and brings hazing into the spotlight.
Hazing was criminalized in the Philippines by Republic Act 8049 and amended by the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, or RA 11053. Despite this, there have still been so many victims. From the first reported death of Upsilon Gamma Phi’s Gonzalo Mariano Albert in 1954, there have been other reported deaths, like that of Horacio Castillo III in 2017, who was a student from the University of Sto. Tomas. In the United States, powerful fraternities are not only accused of hazing but there have also been reports of sexual assault, which clearly goes against the rights of the victims.
Hazing and other violent activities in fraternities are clearly abuses of human rights. It does not matter what context lies behind it. The very fact that intentional torture is involved in the guise of “initiation” or that assault happens is enough to see it as a threat to human rights. Political globalization has given rise to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and other international groups with the same mission. However, if a change would not be initiated here, even the efforts of these international groups may not be as maximized.
Pamaging Magbalaue (On Becoming an Advocate for Change):
The hazing culture and other fraternity-related rights abuses are influenced by various elements: hunger for validation, issues with power and control, sadism, peer pressure, problematic “macho” concepts, and violent tendencies. With how much it penetrated into the system and how it has been somewhat normalized, it is not easy to wipe it out of the picture in an instant. When the questions surrounding hazing intensify, the solution that comes to mind would be abolishing fraternities and sororities. However, abolishing these could only encourage these groups to go underground and continue the cycle of violence. As students, how do we fight human rights abuses through hazing?
As fraternities and sororities are mostly established in schools or joined by students, it is a must that schools should have in place anti-hazing councils. The group can carry out its advocacy by supporting these councils or if need be, being part of the councils. These councils will provide awareness and education to fellow students on fraternities, sororities, and the dangers of hazing. These councils will also be charged with providing a safe space for students, making them feel that they can come forward should there be any cases of hazing. There will be an anti-hazing hotline, through which hazing cases could be reported anonymously. Likewise, this campaign could be promoted to wider audiences through social media efforts.
Since joining fraternities and sororities often stems from wanting to feel belongingness, the group may start organizations through which students can socialize, meet new peers, and connect with others. Instead of imposing violent entry policies, the initiation rites will involve activities like community service, tree-planting, or even feeding street children.
Hazing still happens because of sadistic people, those who have false conceptions of power, the problematic ‘macho-ness’ concept, and because of violent examples. As a part of their advocacy, the group will conduct seminars for the youth on how they could be responsible voters. The perceptions of human rights, violence, and power in a society are influenced by those who are in the seats of power. During the time of Martial Law, violence and torture were heavily normalized because the dictator in power enabled it. The extrajudicial killings during the war on drugs happened because the one in power showed no remorse when it comes to violence. As voters, we can change the system by exercising our political choice.
On Saving the Truth and Justice: The Killings of Truth and Justice Seekers
→ Killing and violence against journalists
“A deadly year for journalists” — that is how Jennifer Dunham, the current Deputy Editorial Director in the independent, nonprofit organization Committee to Protect Journalists, described 2022. According to data from the CPJ, at least 67 journalists and media workers across the globe were killed last year. Most of them died of direct connection with their work, either by getting murdered because of what they wrote or reported, getting caught in a crossfire, or working on a dangerous assignment. In Latin America, where 30 journalists have been killed, most journalists cover sensitive topics involving politics, crime, and corruption, with most of them having received threats prior to their deaths. In Ukraine, at least 15 journalists were killed while newsgathering and reporting events following Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.
The Philippines ranks 7th in the CPJ’s Global Impunity Index, which highlights countries where killers of journalists get away with murder. In fact, 82 journalists have been killed in the last 20 years, with 2009 having the most deaths. This is the same year when the Maguindanao massacre, which the CPJ recorded as the single deadliest attack on the press ever, happened. Meanwhile, 15 journalists were killed during the Duterte administration, which is a time wherein the president himself consistently intimidated and harassed members of the press. The recent deaths of Renato Blanco, who covered local politics and corruption, and Percival Mabasa, an outspoken critic of Bongbong Marcos and Duterte, together with the prosecution of the investigative journalist and Nobel Peace laureate Maria Ressa have stoked concerns that society as a whole will continue to be terrorized by corruption, violence, and impunity.
→ Killing and violence against BIPOC
Violence against BIPOC, which refers to black, indigenous, and people of color, has also remained rampant in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement gained international attention because of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin. This incident is just one of the many acts of structural racism-fueled violence by police toward Black people. Meanwhile, the Stop Asian Hate movement also rose during the pandemic following the increase in racially motivated violence against Asians. Attackers believe that Asians are responsible for the disease outbreak since it was first detected in Wuhan, China. These two movements are just some of the numerous efforts of various groups in achieving racial justice and while they may be championing different races, they both focus on certain demands such as criminal justice reform.
→ Killing of farmers and environmentalists
The legacy of Duterte was filled with bloodshed and deaths, many of which belonged to the bodies of farmers and environmentalists killed over the years. Randy Echanis, a peasant leader advocating for agrarian reform was murdered and tortured in his apartment. Chai and Ariel Evangelista, leaders of progressive fishing groups, were murdered along with other victims of “Bloody Sunday” which occurred in March 2021. Earlier, around December 30, 2020. According to reports, on March 7, 2021, police and the military conducted raids in four provinces around the Southern Tagalog region. The “Bloody Sunday” raids were a series of suspected arrests and killings of labor leaders, community organizers, human rights advocates, and indigenous people. With the narrative of the police and authorities as killing and inhibiting alleged “communist” rebels. There are conflicting narratives between the authorities and these groups, regardless of which is true, the victims were unjustifiably murdered.
Looking at the course of Duterte's term, there has been a blatant negligence of life, and justice, instead choosing to arm police forces with guns and the license to kill given how the majority of them have escaped judgment. Under Duterte's leadership, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) alone recorded 344 peasants who were slain unlawfully and 26 cases of massacres related to land disputes. Each death can no longer be seen as an isolated event but a larger pattern of systematic persecution by the state and oligarchs against progressive organizations, especially those that seek agrarian and land reform for the sake of peasantry. The issue of land reform did not originate under Duterte’s term but has been a long-standing issue in the agricultural sector. Even during past times, the demands of agricultural workers, and activists were met with force, bullets, and accusations that they were communist rebels.
Globally, peasant struggles are another concern in developing countries like India. Landlessness, high rent, and policies favoring land owners and money lenders are one of the few causes of peasant revolt occurring in other countries. For India specifically, it's been noted that the struggles have continued for as much as three decades causing the financial ruin of numerous agricultural households. A mass gathering of farmers appeared on January 26 (India’s Republic Day) and was met with global support. The peaceful parade however was tainted with police brutality causing the death of one protester. It is a common trend for corrupt governments to silence groups with force like in the case of the Philippines and India.
Pamaging Magbalaue (On Becoming an Advocate for Change):
It is not what we can do to get the message across, but what can we do to let them get their message across.
Speak up and spark discussions!
The groups affected, do not seek to educate but rather instead elevate their platforms.
AOM – arouse, organize, mobilize!
Differentiate neutrality and objective reason.
For a summary of this blog post and our advocacy for this week, check out the infographic below:
Bibliography:
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