Former Aussie senator, int’l groups alarmed over ‘appalling rights situation’ in PH
Former Aussie senator, int’l groups alarmed over ‘appalling rights situation’ in PH
By JANESS ANN J. ELLAO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA – “The world is watching.”
This was the stern warning that former Australian Senator Lee Rhiannon said after a four-day mission.Rhiannon was among the group of international church leaders, trade union organizers, and foreign dignitaries who arrived in the Philippines for a series of meetings with human rights defenders, and representatives of marginalized sectors affected by various government policies – ranging from its anti-illegal drug drive to the crackdown against dissent particularly in the island of Negros.
The delegation, too, conducted interviews and meetings with concerned government officials.
“Our many meetings with communities from across the Philippines have left members of our delegation appalled by the continuing gross violations of human rights in the Philippines. The outright disregard for human life is unacceptable,” said Rhiannon in a statement sent to the media.
Among those who joined he mission were Rev. Jeong Jin Woo of the Korea Democracy Foundation, Robert Reid of New Zealand’s FIRST Union, Teanau Tuiono of New Zealand’s Green Party, and Rev. Marma Urbano of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
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