National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers
Press Statement
December 10, 2023

On International Human Rights Day 2023:
NUPL calls for justice, equality, and the inherent dignity of all

We march the streets with fervent calls to end abuses by oppressive regimes globally and hold the past and current administrations of Duterte and Marcos accountable for their gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Seventy-five years since the global adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the world now grapples with heightened levels of violent conflict, escalating inequalities, and pervasive impunity amid an urgent climate emergency.

In the Philippines, gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law under the current Marcos Jr.-Duterte regime have starkly defied well-entrenched principles of international law. Practices such as extrajudicial killings, abductions, enforced disappearances, fake surrenders, red-tagging, and the weaponization of law not only constitute legal transgressions but also undermine the foundations of a just society. The continued existence of NTF-ELCAC underscores the misuse of state power to suppress dissent, quash opposition, and instill an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Our condemnation extends to the atrocities in Gaza, where imperialist powers fuel war and perpetuate suffering. The plight of the Palestinian people warrants global attention and collective resistance against forces that historically perpetuate oppression.

On this day, we reassert our commitment as peoples’ lawyers to wield the law for social transformation and stand in solidarity with people worldwide in the struggle for a just, equitable, and humane world.

As the people, we pledge to champion justice, equality, and the inherent dignity of all. ###

Stop the imperialist wars and political repression!

Hold to account the US-Marcos-Duterte regime!

Reference:
Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez
NUPL President
+639172092943