Human Rights Network commemorates the large number of disappeared in the Philippines
Over 200 people were disappeared in the Phillippines between 2001 and 2010. In the majority of cases, their fates remain unclear to this day. Their families are desperately waiting for any signs of life.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared on August 30th, the Action Network Human Rights-Philippines is raising awareness of the plight of these victims of enforced dissapearences.
“We demand a stop to this practice and a complete clarification of all cases of enforced disappearences in the Philippines,” said Elmar Noe, chairman of the Action Network. The new president of the country, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, has stated that he will bring those responsible to justice. Since Aquino took office on June 30th, 2010, however, further grave human rights violations have been documented.
“We are asking President Aquino to sign the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and to begin a complete investigation into the documented cases of enforced dissapearances and political killings”, said Maike Grabowski, Coordinator of the Action Network Human Rights-Philippines. “The ones responsible often come from the ranks of the military, the police, or private armies, so it is only through such actions that they can be held accountable.”
The Action Network Human Rights – Philippines was formed in August 2007 to promote lobby- and information work in Germany regarding the human rights situation in the Philippines. Through its office, the network coordinates publications, events and lobby activities. Target groups are political decision makers, human rights defenders and social activists as well as the media in Germany and Europe.
Member organizations are Amnesty International Germany, Diakonie / Bread for the World, Church Development Service (EED), Misereor, Missio, philippinenbüro and United Evangelical Mission (UEM). The main focuses of the network are extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.