As
we remember the creation of Human Rights Day on 10 December, 63 years
ago this week of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we pay
tribute and offer the highest honor and salute to all human rights
defenders who sacrificed their life and ask you to take part in the
arduous struggle for the genuine fulfillment of human rights for the
marginal voices.
This is why, we, the convenors of S.O.A.R
or Strenthening our Oneness, Advocating our Rights is organizing a
one-week educational caravan on “Promoting Human Rights in the Context
of HIV/AIDS, LGBT-Discrimination, Trafficking of Women and Children and
Students Rights and Welfare.”
The objective of the
activity is to popularize the principles of human rights and applying it
in different context like HIV and AIDS, discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity (SOGI), trafficking of women and
children and students rights and welfare.
These topics
seem to be different and irrelevant from each other, however, from micro
and macro level, they are all interrelated, interdependent, and
inalienable. In other words, discussing the issues of students’ rights
and welfare hand-in-hand with the issues confronting the rapid increase
of HIV cases among young adolescents is more urgent than ever. It also
holds true with trafficking of women and children as an important
societal issue that should be addressed head-on by all sectors in our
society including students and the LGBT or Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals,
and Transgender community.
As long as the majority of the
Filipino people are deprived of their right to own the land they till
or receive a just and living wage, fulfillment and realization of human
rights will remain far-fetched. The continued social deprivation of the
Filipino people from their basic right to life and living is a good
breeding ground for more victims of women and children trafficked and
deepening discrimination based on SOGI.
An unjustified
increase in tuition and other school fees will surely diminished the
hopes of every student from earning a degree; thus, exposing them to
issues like trafficking, commercial sex work, and HIV and AIDS.
On
the other hand, what is alarming is that, “The Philippines is a source
country and, to a much lesser extent, a destination and transit country
for men, women, and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and
forced labor. A significant number of Filipino men and women who migrate
abroad for work are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude
worldwide.” (US Trafficking in Persons Report 2011: Philippines)
Hence,
the need to strengthen our oneness and advocate for the rights and
welfare of everyone because it is our inherent right to do so.
Strengthening our Oneness, Advocating Our Rights (S.O.A.R) A
collaborative effort of Bisdak Pride, Inc., Rotaract Club of Metro
Mandaue 2006 – SWU Chapter, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines –
Cebu, and Good Shepherd Welcome House.(rod)
