By Xander Ledesma
The United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) has urged the local government of Dumaguete City to pass a human rights defenders ordinance.
The call was made during the launch of the Harmony for Humanity Human Rights Festival, the first of its kind in the Philippines, held in Dumaguete City on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Joseph Christopher Doroja, the UN SDSN’s Executive Director for the Philippines, explained that Dumaguete was chosen as the pilot area due to the active participation of its youth in human rights advocacy.
The festival aimed to empower young people to champion human rights and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Doroja emphasized the importance of human rights in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The event featured various activities, including an art competition and performances by international artists. The Piso Vote concept, where participants contributed PHP1 to vote for their favorite art piece, was implemented to raise funds for human rights defenders.
Commissioner Beda Epres of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) praised the initiative and urged the youth to become active advocates for human rights. He emphasized the importance of their voices in shaping a better future.