CHR welcomes UN's call for probe into human rights advocates' killings

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday welcomed the call of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an investigation into the killings of human rights advocates.

"CHR hopes that the government heeds expediently to this repeated call with concrete steps that would ascertain accountability and justice while also implementing definitive actions to prevent any further attacks and loss of life," the commission said in a statement.

"We continue to denounce the practice of red-tagging activists and labeling them as terrorists for it makes them legitimate targets of attacks and threats thus endangering their lives, liberty and security. Human rights advocacy aims for the common good by reminding the government of their duty to fulfil their sworn obligation to the country. Human rights defenders should not be painted as destabilizers for calling for the protection and promotion of the rights of all especially the vulnerable sectors," it added.

Last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an "independent, thorough and transparent" investigation into the killings of peace consultant Randall Echanis and activist Zara Alvarez.

“We are saddened and appalled by the ongoing violence and threats against human rights defenders in the Philippines, including the killing of two human rights defenders over the past two weeks,” the UN Human Rights Office said.

While it welcomed Malacañang’s denouncement of “any form of violence perpetrated against citizens, including activists,” the UN Human Rights Office called on the government to ensure that relevant agencies cooperate fully with investigations by the CHR.

It also stressed the need for those responsible for Echanis and Alvarez’s deaths to be held to account.

Echanis, an agrarian reform advocate and peace consultant, was killed in his home in Quezon City on August 10.  

Alvarez meanwhile, was shot dead in Bacolod City on August 17.  

Over 60 civil society organizations on Thursday appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council to immediately launch an independent investigation mechanism on alleged human rights abuses in the Philippines under the Duterte administration.

The CHR said it noted that "investigation is being conducted on the recent killings."

"Social justice and human rights are the prime duty of State. We hope that the government demonstrate its fidelity to human rights standards by being receptive to recommendations from independent human rights bodies and organizations," it added.

The commission assured it "continues to offer collaboration with the government through partnership and cooperation towards accountability on human rights violation and protection of human rights workers. —KG, GMA News