Human Rights Consciousness Week

As the country celebrates Human Rights Consciousness Week from Dec. 4 to 10, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo's canopy area.

Anchored with the theme "My Voice Counts in Ending Impunity: I work for human rights-based governance," Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., AFP spokesperson, said that this week's event enjoins all government agencies to observe Human Rights Consciousness Week through simple and appropriate activities.

During the week-long celebration, the AFP, through its Human Rights Office (HRO), will be conducting activities to heighten the soldiers' commitment and responsibilities as human rights advocates.

On Tuesday, around 50 soldiers will participate in the Bike Run and Fun Run which will start at the EDSA People Power Monument in White Plains, Quezon City.

On Dec. 6, senior officers holding key positions in the AFP will join the Commission on Human Rights led by Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales in a roundtable discussion at the La Breza Hotel, Quezon City.

This will be followed by a top-level dialogue between the two parties.

On Dec. 9, the AFP will partake in the HR Music Fest at the Quezon Memorial Circle, with the GHQ Band and GHQ Choral performing together with other Filipino artists.

The AFPHRO will also attend the 2nd International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Summit on Dec. 11.

"The AFP remains firm and unyielding in its commitment as Human Rights advocate as we draw our strength from the desire and conviction that human rights must be adhered, respected and protected –- in order for our country to truly attain a lasting peace and sustainable development," AFPHRO head Brig. Gen. Domingo J. Tutaan Jr. said.

Recently, President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Benigno S. Aquino III signed a directive creating a nine-member inter-agency committee on human rights which include the AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa as member. This is in time for the celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Month amplifying the military's role on the advocacy towards Human Rights protection.