CHR opens “freedom park” for human rights community

Recognising the courage of those who fought for human rights, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has opened a "freedom park" for the public at its central office complex in Quezon City.

Known as Liwasang Diokno, the space is dedicated to the late Senator Jose 'Ka Pepe' Diokno, who fought for freedom, democracy and human rights during the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines.

CHR Chairperson Chito Gascon told Rappler that the Commission wanted to provide "a safe, enabling, and empowering space for our partners in the broad human rights community."

"This space is envisioned to become a freedom park, open to all persons who may wish to peacefully exercise our cherished freedoms, particularly the freedom of assembly, speech and expression, and the freedom to associate with others," he said.

The park was inaugurated on 10 December 2018, Human Rights Day, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

A 30-tier fountain, representing the 30 articles of the UDHR, stands at the centre of the park. The park also features a statue of 'Ka Pepe', which was sculpted by acclaimed artist Julie Lluch

"We want to introduce Pepe Diokno to a new generation of human rights activists," Gascon said.

The CHR also launched its Human Rights Observatory on the day.

The observatory seeks to institutionalise a human rights-based approach to monitoring and evaluation of the human rights situation in the country, particularly on how the government satisfies its obligation to respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights of all.

The activities culminate National Human Rights Consciousness Week, celebrated from 4-10 December each year in the Philippines.

Date: 12 December 2018

Source: Commission on Human Rights