Human rights group Karapatan honored slain human rights defenders and victims of the government’s “war on drugs” in a symbolic activity on December 8, two days before the observance of International Human Rights Day.
“The seeds sown by those killed by the [administration of President Rodrigo Duterte] shall grow, blossom, and bear the fruits of justice,” said Roneo Clamor, Karapatan deputy secretary general, in a statement.
“Through this action, we honor our slain comrades, activists, human rights defenders, as we gain inspiration from them to work for justice and defend people’s rights, especially the poor and marginalized,” he said.
Human rights defenders and families and friends of victims of extrajudicial killings brought potted plants during the symbolic activity at the Commission on Human Rights’ Freedom Park in Quezon City.
Each plant bore the name of slain loved ones as well as other victims of killings and human rights violations to honor their memories and legacies, “and to ring their continuing fight for justice.”
As of November 2021, Karapatan has documented 424 victims of extrajudicial killings.
Among those honored in the activity were Karapatan human rights workers Zara Alvarez and Elisa Badayos, Bayan Muna coordinator Jory Porquia, peace consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay.
Also remembered were slain trade unionists, peasant organizers, indigenous people, and victims of extrajudicial killings in the “drug war.”
Clamor said that “like seeds and plants, the killings have become continuing testimonies that the struggle to defend people’s rights and for a just society should push on.”
“These plants will be a reminder that the struggle left by those who have been killed are the seeds of our call for justice,” he added.
