Australia to provide P6 M for human rights activities

MANILA, Philippines - The Australian government will provide P6 million (A$139,000) to support new civil society organizations in the Philippines through the Karapatan sa Malikhaing Paraan (KaSaMa) multi-donor initiative.

In this year’s funding round of KaSaMa, Australia will provide P6 million to six partners: Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA), Community Management Institute, Anti-Trafficking Legal Advocates Society Inc, Gualandi Volunteer Services Program, and DAKILA-Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism.

“The Australian government is pleased to support these organizations that are working directly on critical human rights challenges - organizations that combine creative new approaches with practical assistance on human rights,” Australian Ambassador Rod Smith said.

He said the majority of these organizations are also engaging with various levels of government to positively influence policies affecting human rights.

Australia, through KaSaMa, is supporting projects on paralegal training to increase skills and knowledge of human rights advocates; mainstreaming rights-based approaches in local development planning; working with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure human rights are respected during investigations; promotion of women’s rights, practical anti-human trafficking measures, and elimination of gender-based violence; human rights education for schools and communities using films; and advocacy against sexual abuse and exploitation of deaf children.

Australian support also has a particular emphasis on disability and women and children’s welfare and rights. Partnerships with various non-government organizations help increase awareness about human rights among people with disabilities and empower them as advocates and active participants in shaping inclusive community development.

Australia is also currently supporting the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) with practical help to build specific skills and competencies necessary for their oversight role.

“Despite the encouraging declines in the number of human rights violations in the Philippines in recent years, there is still more to be done. Australia will continue to work with government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and civil society groups in the Philippines to actively protect and promote respect for human rights. – Rhodina Villanueva