Philippines
Current Situation
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2011 Global Peace Index ranking of 153 countries: 136 |
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Over a quarter of the population lives in poverty |
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After the torrential rains in June 2011, more of the Philippines now faces food insecurity |
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Over the past decade, almost 1,200 extrajudicial killings were recorded under the former Arroyo regime’s military counter-insurgency operation. Many victims were human rights workers and church leaders |
The Aquino government, appointed in June 2010, promised broad changes to improve the Philippines’ damning human rights record, perpetuated under the Arroyo administration’s Oplan Bantay Laya (OBL) counter-insurgency policy. More than a year into its tenure, however, the government has failed to arrest the continuing cycle of violence, with extrajudicial killings, violent abuse, unlawful arrest and disappearances still prevailing.
In Mindanao, following the end of major hostilities between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government, the number of displaced persons has dropped dramatically. However, continuing clan warfare has exacerbated household and community displacement and a climate of fear and uncertainty remains. The impact of government military operations and the actions of multinational mining and extraction companies has also caused significant damage to the lives and livelihoods of indigenous populations.
Act for Peace in the Philippines
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), as part of the ecumenical movement in the Philippines, promotes a culture of justice and peace through understanding, cooperation and the affirmation of a common humanity. NCCP draws on its broad ecumenical network and grassroots support to carry out essential human rights work for the marginalised and voiceless.
NCCP has for a number of years implemented the interfaith program “Not without my sisters and brothers”. This program specifically identifies Muslim and Indigenous people as key participants in dialogue towards shared experiences and peaceful negotiations. Program activities have included interfaith education and forums, fact-finding missions to investigate human rights abuses, initiatives supporting children and youth theatre and inter-religious and interfaith forums. In times of natural disaster, Act for Peace also supports NCCP in its emergency response and early recovery programs.
Click here to read about the work of Act for Peace's project partner in improving literacy and supporting the struggle for justice, and here to read about human rights training in the Philippines.
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can enable a young Indigenous person to attend consultation and training on human rights and civil liberties. |
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