Please add your name to ICHRP’s interfaith unity statement for peace.
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. (Matthew 25:35‒36)
The United Church of Canada stands in solidarity with our partner the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP). ICHRP reminds us that the Canadian government may be inadvertently enabling continued attacks on human rights and human rights defenders by providing financial, programmatic, and technical support to the Government of the Philippines. We stand with those who struggle to live in peace, in justice, and in respect for human life as well as Creation.
In the Philippines, human rights workers, labour activists, and community organizers are being targeted and killed for defending human rights and dignity. Many have been imprisoned under the guise of anti-terror law. Religious leaders, journalists, and Indigenous people have also been falsely labelled as communists, in the Philippines called “red-tagging.” The Philippines government uses these tactics to criminalize dissent, attack critics of the government as enemies of the state, and make them targets of political persecution.
Those who target red-tagged human rights defenders appear to act with impunity. Extrajudicial killings happening in broad daylight mean perpetrators are not afraid—the police show no interest in investigating the killings.
Speaking at the ICHRP-Canada May 2024 conference in Montreal, Neri Javier Colmenares, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist from the Philippines, said, “You inspire us. We consider you a part of our struggle. You enhance solidarity, which makes us more courageous.”
To forge a path to lasting peace, we can make a difference. In solidarity with the people of the Philippines, please join with ICHRP by adding your name to the interfaith unity petition for justice and peace in the Philippines. Together with partners, call on the Government of the Philippines to respect international humanitarian law and pursue a path towards a just peace.
Let us live into Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice.
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Pray
A Prayer for the People of Philippines
O God of immense love,
Your love shows up as justice in our world.
You long for us to live in peace rather than violence,
in solidarity rather than isolation,
and in compassion rather than exploitation.
We pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines who are suffering,
who are unjustly imprisoned for defending human rights, land, and water.
O God, do not let their suffering go to waste.
May your will be done so that all your children be free.
May your will be done through us, we pray.
Amen.
—Written by the Rev. Won Hur
Advocate
Join partners seeking peace with justice in the Philippines. Add your name to ICHRP’s interfaith unity statement for peace
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