The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) has urged the local government of Negros Oriental’s provincial capital to pass legislation on human rights defenders.
The call was made on November 21, during the UN SDSN’s launch of its Harmony for Humanity Human Rights Festival at the Foundation University in Dumaguete City attended by students of various schools, colleges, and universities.
Joseph Christopher Doroja, the UN SDSN’s Executive Director for the Philippines, said this is the first of its kind in the Philippines with Dumaguete chosen as the pilot area after the notable active participation of the youth in championing human rights.
“It is a festival where we aim to launch the wonderful contributions of the youth in the name of human rights,” he said. “We aim to empower the youth to ensure their voices are heard for human rights.”
After the launch, Doroja said the goal was to make Dumaguete a human rights city with the UN SDSN having partnered with the government, schools, international partners and other sectors.
He explained that Dumaguete was chosen for the festival launch because of its rich heritage and culture.
“The primary reason, though, why we are here is, of course, to urge the local government of Dumaguete City to push for the passing of the human rights defenders ordinance,” Doroja said, noting that a draft ordinance was crafted earlier this year.
The city has about 200 youth leaders from various organizations advocating human rights, he said.
Doroja said human rights play a significant role in implementing and accomplishing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
“Human rights might seem a mature topic for the youth, but with the festival, we want to show them that it is not just about those graphic acts but rather a positive aspiration and celebration where every individual has the right to a better life,” he said.
The festival included an art competition with the Piso Vote concept, where students and participants contributed P1 for every art piece of their choice.
This is one of the activities that could help fund human rights defenders here.
The international group, Performers Without Borders, also entertained the audience with their circus skills as part of their advocacy to improve young people’s well-being.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Beda Epres of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in his video message, lauded the initiative, saying this would “integrate the vibrant energy and invaluable insights of our youth into the fabric of our decision-making processes.”
Epres emphasized that with US SDSN and other partners, the CHR “strives to create a platform where the voices of the youth are not only heard but listened to and heeded.”
He urged activism and commitment to justice in the festival participants, whose presence “makes them a catalyst for change in society by standing up for the rights of others and advocating for a more equitable world.”
“You embody the true spirit of human rights defenders,” he said. (PNA)