links: http://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/19-afp-data-articles/latest-news/1093-european-minister-sees-capacity-building-for-afp
European Minister Sees Capacity-Building for AFP
- Published on Thursday, 01 November 2012 08:55
- Written by PAO, AFP
CAMP
GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – A possible capacity-building
assistance for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Human Rights
efforts is seen by European Parliament member, Norica Nicolai who met
with AFP Human Rights Office (AFPHRO) Chief, Brig. Gen. Domingo J.
Tutaan Jr. along with other Key Military Officials, Tuesday at the AFP
General Headquarters, here.
Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for
future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating on-going
efforts of the military in addressing Human Rights issues among its
ranks.
Brig. Gen. Tutaan led the activity by presenting
the various reforms the AFP has instituted in order to promote a human
rights-protective culture in the defense and security sector. He was
accompanied by Representatives from the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief
of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Office of the Deputy Chief of
Staff for Operations, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for
Intelligence, and the AFP Judge Advocate General, Col. Marian Aleido.
“It
surprised us that Madame Nicolai was already well-aware of our efforts
in promoting and protecting the Human Rights (HR), and all our
undertakings on the adherence to the International Humanitarian Law
(IHL), and the Rule of Law (ROL). This indicates that the AFP’s
‘HR-IHL-ROL’ advocacies have already reached the international community
thus opening our windows for more possible avenues for assistance and
collaborations,” Brig. Gen. Tutaan said.
Nicolai who recently
expressed interest to call on several Philippine officials to discuss
certain aspects of the Philippine – European Union (PH-EU) relations is
also the Rapporteur on the Ratification of the PH-EU Partnership and
Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
On the other hand, Undersecretary
Severo S. Catura, Executive Director of the Presidential Human Rights
Committee (PHRC) under the Office of the President has expressed that
the meeting indicates well to the partnership the Philippines has with
the EU on matters delving on human rights, and may also pave the way for
future cooperation and capacity building efforts for the AFP.
Aside
from AFP’s efforts to address human rights issues, and its adherence to
the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law, BGen Tutaan
presented the AFPHRO’s ongoing programs relative to education and
training, publications, foreign exposure, and other cooperation with the
EP on HR-IHL-RoL matters.
Strengthening of the AFP Human Rights Office
The
AFP is continuously strengthening its Human Rights Office which has
been replicated to all levels of commands; from the division, brigade,
and down to the battalion level in order to address human rights issues
and concerns.
In pursuit of effectively and efficiently addressing human rights violation cases being reported to the AFP, the military has undergone significant reforms anchored with its new campaign plan, the IPSP Bayanihan.
The AFPHRO has been consistent in its campaign
programs pertaining to HR-IHL-RoL. This is reflected in the advocacy
lectures and seminars about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
and other international human rights bills being conducted regularly by
the AFPHRO amongst soldiers particularly those assigned in the field.
Human Rights Advocacy Education and Training within AFP Members
The
AFP through the HRO is also very active in teaching AFP personnel
assigned in garrisons and in the field about local laws pertaining the
Human Rights. The AFPHRO has also been closely coordinating with other
government agencies, human rights advocacy groups and Local Government
Units (LGUs) to spread the military's advocacy on Human Rights.
The
Office continuously conducts a series of advocacy and training seminars
in all AFP area commands and units in the field. The seminars are
focused on raising the awareness as well as informing soldiers about the
principles of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and
International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL). It also teaches the soldiers
about the proper process of filing complaints against the enemies who
committed violations of this agreement.
Human Rights courses and
modules are also being taught as pre-entry courses to civilians who
intend to join the military. This is also done in military schooling and
is taught at the AFP Command and General Staff College (CGSC), one of
AFP’s premier training institutions tasked to train senior leaders and
key officers who are about to take or assume command and sensitive staff
positions in the AFP.
Meanwhile, the AFP Chief of Staff sees the meeting as an advantage for the military organization’s part.
“We
see this as another avenue for us to expound and reaffirm our
commitment towards the protection and promotion of Human Rights, and
adherence to the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law. The AFP
recognizes that the respect for human rights is at the core of the
Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan. In order for our
soldiers to be guided with the right values and advocacy, the military
continues to invest extensively in human rights,” AFP Chief of Staff,
Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa said.
AFP Websites
links:
OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS WEBSITES
Human Rights Advocacy Promotions | Human Rights
Human Rights Advocacy Promotions | Human Rights
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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