The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called on Filipinos “to stay caring and look out for one another” as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still not over and continues to affect our lives.
In its New Year message, CHR emphasized the salience of helping one another.
“Let us all work together in ensuring our national recovery. In our darkest days, let us be a glimmer of hope for each other,” the CHR said through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
“As we call on the government to do more and do better in upholding our human rights, let us be reminded that, individually, we too have an obligation to respect and protect the rights of each other,” De Guia said.
She recalled how the pandemic forced Filipinos to go above and beyond in helping their fellow “kababayans” in distress.
“From community pantry initiatives during the community quarantine; to donation drives; feeding drives and psychosocial support for traumatized victims of Taal disruptions; to ongoing relief operations to affected communities of Typhoon Odette (Rai), Filipinos gave a glimpse on the power of collective action and the exemplary bayanihan spirit even as they faced their own challenges,” she noted.
In its message, the CHR also paid tribute to valiant human rights defenders, who, despite the pandemic, continued to hold the government to account.
“Filipinos rallied on the internet, spoke out against abuses, and, with caution against Covid-19, even took to the streets the call for better services for the people that will uphold each and everyone’s human rights,” De Guia said.
She reiterated that the freedom of assembly and petition for redress are rights possessed by individuals in a free and democratic society such as the Philippines.
She stressed: “CHR continues to call for justice for violations of human rights and dignity. Let us not allow victims to be mere numbers without names and faces. We remember their stories and remind ourselves that we do not simply move on from indignities without due accountability.”
She then rallied human rights defenders and advocates to remain vigilant and to continue to speak out against abuses with the same amount of fervor.
“Once again, from your Commission on Human Rights, may this year be a year of good tidings, love, and laughter for you and your loved ones. Happy New Year!” she said.