ICHRP-Canada holds conference in Vancouver on Oct. 22-24

ICHRP-Canada holds conference in Vancouver on Oct. 22-24

Human rights organizations and advocates in Canada for the promotion and defense of human rights in the Philippines will hold a national conference in Vancouver, British Columbia this weekend amid intensifying international calls to conduct a formal investigation on the human rights situation in the Philippines.

The International Coalition For Human Rights in the Philippines -Canada (ICHRP-Canada) will also conduct a workshop aimed at raising the capacity of organizations and individuals to intensify human rights advocacy work.

The conference to be held on October 22 to 24 at 1490 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, BC, is expected to be attended participants from all over Canada: On-site and Online.

Sessions will be led by speakers from all over the world to help deepen the understanding of the human rights context in the Philippines and develop a clearer understanding of the Canadian connection to the Philippine human rights situation.

The keynote speaker is Antonio Tujan Jr., director emeritus of IBON International, a non-government organization engaging in capacity development for human rights and democracy around the world.

Among those scheduled to deliver messages on Friday are Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington in the BC Legislature; ICHRP Chair Patricia Lisson; and ICHRP Global Chairperson Peter Murphy.

A dialogue with Rev. Dr. Chris Ferguson and members of the InvestigatePH Coordinating Committee will also be conducted.

On the second day, Investigate PH coordinator and chair Peter Murphy will deliver a solidarity message followed by a discussion on the human rights situation in the Philippines by Antonio Tujan of IBON International.

Participants will also hear from Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of the human rights group KARAPATAN.

Rev. Dr. Chris Ferguson will deliver a Keynote Presentation on President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Three Illegal Wars” which will be followed by simultaneous workshops on human rights violations in the Philippines particularly in relation to the Philippine government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign, attacks on human rights defenders and on the Moro people.

Workshops will also be conducted on Canadian mining and its effect on the Philippines as well as investigation being conducted by the International Criminal Court on the Philippines.

The final day of the conference will include a discussion on the ICHRP-Canada’s Constitution and Bylaws, General Program of Action and the election of officers of the National Council.

(PRESS RELEASE)