The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has announced that there is a significant reduction in the number of cases and victims of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings, torture and other forms of ill-treatment from 2010 to 2013.
The announcement on the drop was made by CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales on Friday in the Ulat sa Bayan 2013 that marked its 26th year foundation anniversary held at CHR Multi-Purpose Hall,
Rosales cited that based from the comparative report of Martus-based Executive Information Service (MAREIS) that CHR is using to monitor human rights violations, in the first quarter of 2013, there are only 2 cases and 2 victims in the number of enforced disappearance,; 14 and 2 in 2012; 16 and 24 in 2011; while 34 and 53 in 2010.
In the first quarter of 2013, the number of cases and victims of extra judicial killings validated by CHR noted a drop to 15 and 30, in comparison to 43 and 48 in 2012; 61 and 93 in 2011; and 89 and 138 in 2010.
The number of cases and victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment validated in the 1st quarter of 2013 also declined to 6 and 6; from the 39 and 63 in 2012; 55 and 68 in 2011; and 41 and 53 in 2010.
Rosales pointed out that the drop was due to a quite number of variables working together.
“Government’s paradigm shift in addressing internal armed conflict focusing on the political, rather than the militarist approach; sustained dialogue between CHR and the Security Sector, focused on human rights law enforcement and security sector reforms; peace building process especially in Mindanao with the MILF, better confidence in government by the poor and business sectors because of anti-corruption drive and others,” Rosales said when asked what are the factors that contributed to the decline.
However, Rosales cautioned that while there are clear indications on the drop that should not be taken as a reason to be happy and be contented.
“Radically, with the concerted efforts of different agencies and LGUs working together it is going down but it never really disappeared,” she added.
“The mere fact that there are still cases of enforced disappearance signifies, extra-judicial killings, torture and other forms of ill-treatment that much concerted efforts still needs to be done in the road towards ending impunity,” she stressed out.
She expressed hope that the people will participate to make human rights a way of life by encouraging exercise of vigilance in guarding and protecting against perpetrators of human rights violations.
“I hope that people and different civil society groups will have deeper understanding to stand firmly against the perpetrators of human rights violations to send them the messages that they are not being tolerated and allowed in our society in whatever way,” she then added.
When asked what is the message she wants to impart to those who undauntedly commit human rights violations, she plead to them to end impunity and said: "They should fully understand that concerted efforts from different sectors are working together for the delivery of criminal justice to the victims as a way to combat them".
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