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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider UN rapporteur dares Congress to pass proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Act

UN rapporteur dares Congress to pass proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Act

Published Mar 19, 2021 02:06 pm

Amid another surge in the murders and harassment of members of human rights and progressive groups, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman joined a United Nations human rights expert in calling on Congress to act on pending bill proposing to protect human right defenders.

Independent opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman
(FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

“As the principal author of HB No. 15 (Human Rights Defenders Protection Act), I am strongly endorsing the statement of Ms. Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on the situation of HRDs,” Lagman said in a viber message to the Lower House media.

Lawlor of Ireland is the  UN Special Rapporteur on the siituation of human rights defenders.  She issued a statement on the worsening human rights situation in the country.

Citing the “extremely serious risks” human rights advocates throughout the world, Lawlor asked the Philippine Congress to prioritize the enactment of legislation for the protection of human rights defenders.

Lagman authored House Bill No. 15 or the “Human rights Defenders Protection Act” right at the very start of the 18th Congress in 2019.  The bill has been referred to the Committee on Human Rights chaired by Quezon City Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay.

Considering that a similar bill was passed by the Lower House on final reading during the 18th Congress, Lagman pointed out that it is “entitled to a fast lane” as provided under Section 48, Rule X of the rules of the House.

“Enacting legislation at the national level is an important means by which States can recognize the work of human rights defenders and create robust mechanisms for their protection, and I urge all members of the Congress to get behind this praiseworthy initiative,” Lawlor said.

She noted that the Lower House approved the measure on third and final reading in June, 2019, apparently during the 18th Congress.

“In my recent report to the Human Rights Council I highlighted the extremely serious risks faced by those peacefully defending human rights around the world, including the Philippines, and documented the legislatie efforts made by some States to protect them,” Lawlor stated. She added: “By prioritizing legislation to protect human rights defenders, the Philippines would join that group and send a clear message about their willingness to uphold their human rights obligations.”

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