Update on the Campaign to Stop the Killings in the Philippines

Over 850 people involved in human rights work have been murdered in the Philippines since 2001, and the situation is growing worse. In response to a request from partners in the Philippines, thousands of Canadians signed a petition calling on our government to intervene with the Philippines government to stop the killings—many of which have been traced back to groups associated with the Philippine military.
At the end of May, the petitions were tabled in the House of Commons by a wide range of supportive MPs. See pages 18-20 of the Hansard (the federal government’s daily recording proceedings) for a partial record of petition presentations by MPs.

In addition to the tabling of the petitions, a multi-party press conference was also held on Parliament Hill in efforts to raise awareness about the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines, and the role the Canadian government should play in pressuring the government of the Philippines to abide by its international human rights obligations.

A story in this month’s edition of the United Church Observer offers some personal reflections from partners in the Philippines.   During the recent Dirty Waters mining tour, KAIROS had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Clavier Chandu and Joan Carling, both human rights activists in the Philippines to Canada. Dr Chandu lost his wife to an attack clearly motivated by the couple’s human rights work, and Joan Carling remains vulnerable to threats on her life for her human rights and advocacy work.  

A follow up action to the petition is underway on the United Church of Canada’s website .

Thank you to all who distributed and signed the petition. Letters to Prime Minister Harper are still important.  Canadian mining companies are very active in the Philippines, and our bilateral trade with and assistance to the Philippines are extensive. Canada has a long standing relationship with the Philippines and we are now being asked to support our sisters and brothers as they continue to face grave threats to their lives simply because they dare to call for peace and a fair economy.

Liturgy and Poster that accompanied the petition

For more information on the Philippines and KAIROS’ human rights and peacebuilding work with partners there, contact: Connie Sorio Asia-Pacific Global Partnerships Coordinator
1 877 403 8933 x 240

Heather OrrangeHuman Rights Coordinator: Economy and Ecology
1 877 493 8933 x226