Philippines–Canada Task Force on Human Rights
The Philippines-Canada Task Force on Human Rights (PCTFHR) is a Canadian Human Rights group which expresses solidarity with the Filipino people.
History
The group was formed in Vancouver in 2006 as a coalition of progressive Filipino organizations from across Canada as part of a larger international campaign to Stop the Killings. A PCTFHR fact-finding mission was organized for November 2006. The group consisted of nine Canadians - lawyers, a teacher, a nurse and other community organizers - who visited victims of the political killings and repression in the Philippines. As well, the group met with members of Congress , Members of the Senate, Peter Sutherland, the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines.
The group's modus operandi was to split up into groups to evaluate the deteriorating human rights situation in various regions. The areas of Metro Manila, Cordillera, Southern Tagolog and Central Luzon were selected. One of the congressmen met by the Fact-finding mission was Rep.Crispin Beltran who had been detained for almost a year. The PCTFHR gained national and international attention after three members were detained by the military for several hours. [1] [2]
Campaign in Canada
The PCTFHR has organized presentations, screenings, concerts, and other meetings to promote the cause of human rights in the Philippines. Meetings with Members of Canada's Parliament has led to increased awareness on the topic and the possibility of a parliamentary hearing on human rights in the Philippines, including Liberal human rights critic, Irwin Cotler. Other organizations, such as the United Church of Canada, have also expressed support on this topic, creating a parliamentary petition to be submitted to Canada's parliament.[3]
References
- ^ Conde, Carlos. "3 Canadian activists say Philippines military harassed them." New York Times. 19 November 2006.
- ^ Agence France-Presse. "Canadian rights team arrives to probe killings". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 16 November 2006.
- ^ United Church of Canada. Stop the Killings Parliamentary Petition.