Military accord could make Canada complicit in human rights abuses in Philippines
The United Church of Canada is calling for public transparency and a full human-rights assessment following the recent signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Canada and the Philippines. The agreement, announced by Canada’s Department of National Defence on November 2, establishes new terms for military cooperation between the two countries.
“Canada’s security partnerships must reflect our deepest commitments to international law regarding human rights,” The Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of the Church in Mission Unit, affirms. “True peace is built not through militarization but through justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.”
While the Government of Canada describes the accord as a means to strengthen regional security and cooperation, human-rights advocates—including the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP–Canada)—have raised concerns that the agreement could entangle Canada in operations associated with human-rights abuses and undermine democratic oversight.
The United Church of Canada, which has long supported global efforts for peace, justice, and human rights in the Philippines, raises deep concerns about increased militarization and the potential complicity of Canada in ongoing human rights abuses. Echoing a broad call for careful scrutiny of security partnerships, the United Church encourages Canada to lead with justice, care for humanity, and responsibility in its global commitments.
Continued and enhanced military engagement risks entangling Canada in systemic violations, and stands in stark contrast to the principles of peace and justice our church upholds. The church is urging the Government of Canada to:
- Release the full text of the SOVFA for public and parliamentary review
- Ensure that Canada’s human rights commitments are not directly or indirectly undermined by this military cooperation agreement
- Uphold peacebuilding, reconciliation, and human rights in all Indo-Pacific engagements
The United Church stands in solidarity with the churches and communities in the Philippines who are grieving the brunt of militarization, red-tagging, and extrajudicial violence. The United Church of Canada reaffirms our commitment to live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice, especially with those working for human rights and peace in the Philippines, and calls on the Canadian government to defend these same principles in all international agreements.