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MAG envisions a society where fundamental human rights are upheld and protected at all times in accordance with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights

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Dear Friends,
· Organise your own event. Click here for ideas.
· Don’t forget to post your event on the Sep 26 Global Events Page.
Let’s make this a day that no-one will forget!!!!
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UNFOLD ZERO is a platform for United Nations (UN) focused initiatives and actions for the achievement of a nuclear weapons free world.
UNFOLD ZERO aims to unfold the path to zero nuclear weapons through effective steps and measures facilitated by the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General and other UN bodies.
UNFOLD ZERO is a project of PragueVision, PNND, Basel Peace Office, Mayors for Peace 2020 Vision Campaign, Aotearoa Lawyers for Peace andGlobal Security Institute.

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Forum:“Fighting Torture Impunity through Effective Implementation of the Anti-Torture Law”
Remarks by Ambassador Guy Ledoux, EU Delegation to the Philippines
26 June 2014, InterContinental Hotel, Makati City

Presidential Human Rights Committee Undersecretary Catura, DILG Undersecretary Enrile, DoJ Undersecretary Baraan, CHR Commissioner Mamauag, PNP Human Rights Affairs Office chief Viernes, AFP Human Rights Office Col. Motril, MAG Chairman Dr. Tan, distinguished guests, members of the media, ladies & gentlemen. Good afternoon.

Let me first express my gratitude to the organisers, the Medical Action Group and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, for their commitment and for inviting me to speak at today's event which marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

60 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which put an absolute ban on torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under any circumstances, today's event is important to re-emphasize the issue's relevance and importance as torture persists around the world. There is the need to raise awareness regarding this issue, to mobilise support for victims and to create a general understanding of respect for human dignity within society and all institutions.

It is recognised that positive gains have been made by the Administration in its effort to stop the practice of torture in the Philippines and non-state organisation and civil society are playing an important role towards the elimination of torture.

Let me especially note the significant improvement in the legal environment for torture prevention in the Philippines – and in the first place the enactment ofthe Anti-Torture Law in 2009 as important milestones. I am glad to note the efforts of the Commission on Human Rights to monitor torture cases and that the Oversight Committee is now convening regularly. I acknowledge in particular CHR's efforts of taking the necessary steps to address the legal and medical concerns of the victims in coordination with our partner Medical Action Group.I cannot emphasise enough the good example CHR and MAG are showing to jointly address a specific human rights issue and I hope that this cooperation will continue.

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UATC STATEMENT
June 26, 2014

MAKE THE WHEEL OF JUSTICE WORK
Fight Impunity, Demand for Accountability

Today, we, the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC)-Philippines and various anti-torture advocates on the eight consecutive year mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture through the “Basta! Run Against Torture 8” (BRAT VIII) as we renew our resonating call to stop torture and to fight impunity.
While the UATC recognizes the significant improvement in the legal protection against torture in the Philippines, we observed that the implementation of the law and policies has not been made so far with due diligence and efficacy as torture remains prevalent and is still being committed with total impunity. Every year, we are expecting new cases to undoubtedly arise.

The Republic Act 9745, otherwise known as the Anti-Torture Law of 2009 was purportedly enacted to give a meaningful implementation for the UN Convention Against Torture which the Philippines is a state party but remains only good in paper. These observations are clearly reflected in our Torture Impunity Report that will be presented this afternoon to the relevant government agencies in a forum sponsored by the European Union.

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June 26, 2014

Press release

The European Union reiterated its commitment to promote human rights and to eliminate torture during a forum, “End Torture in the Philippines” with the Medical Action Group (MAG) and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) held in Makati City. This event took place to mark the "International Day in Support of Victims of Torture".

"Torture is not only a tragedy for its victims – it is also degrading for those who perpetrate it, and inevitably it harms the welfare of societies which tolerate such outrages", EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux said.

It is recognised that positive gains have been made by the Aquino administration in its efforts to stop the practice of torture in the Philippines. There is a need to end the culture of impunity by bringing perpetrators to justice and to encourage all stakeholders to double their collective efforts. "While  a significant improvement to the legal environment in torture prevention in the Philippines through the enactment of the Anti-Torture Law in 2009 can be noted, much still needs to be done to  implement it and hold those responsible for torture cases accountable",  he said.