Canada monitoring Philippine human rights situation, says Foreign Minister Cannon

Canada monitoring Philippine human rights situation, says Foreign Minister Cannon

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said Canada is closely monitoring the Philippine human rights situation, specifically as it relates to the Ampatuan massacre of November 23, 2009.

In a January 29, 2009 letter to Bern Jagunos, Asia Coordinator, Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit of the United Church of Canada, Minister Cannon said:

“In my statement of November 26, 2009, I condemned the brutal murders perpetrated in Maguindanao, and supported international calls for the rule of law to prevail and for those responsible for these acts to be brought to justice…

“Canada’s concerns have been communicated directly to the Government of the Philippines at senior levels, including to Cabinet Secretaries and senior officials. Canada has also communicated its concerns to the Philippines Commission on Human Rights, as well as to members of the media and others,” Minister Cannon added.

The foreign affairs Minister further assured that “The Canadian Embassy in Manila is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to impress upon Philippines authoritiesthe need to have a just resolution of this tragic situation with allthose responsible for this heinous crime being brought to justice. Indoing so, it is very important that due process is followed and that allinvolved in the process are safe and free from interference.”