Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) wishes to forward an appeal from the Alliance for the Advancement of Peoples Rights (KARAPATAN), a human rights organization in the Philippines.
For more information, please contact:
Ms. Deejay Acierto at +63 2 4354146, +63917 6224761 (Globe) or +63 999 974 8718 (Smart).
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
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Dear friends and fellow peace advocates,
Warmest greetings!
Since May 23, 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have conducted a series of combat operations and aerial strikes in Marawi City, to purportedly stop the attacks of the terrorist Maute group. However, these operations have heavily impacted on the civilian population, with at least 19 reported dead, many due to AFP aerial strikes, and a staggering number of displaced persons, at least 150,000 residents from Marawi.
On the same day. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao and suspended the writ of habeas corpus. In his pronouncements, he stated that these impositions might be extended to the whole country.
The AFP has gone on to conduct aerial strikes even outside Marawi. Nearly 4,000 residents from Bukidnon, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat have evacuated due to AFP aerial bombings.
On 13-15 June 2017, Karapatan will join the National Fact Finding and Humanitarian Mission by Balsa Mindanao and the Sisters’ Association in Mindanao (SAMIN) in Marawi City, Bukidnon and North Cotabato to document human rights abuses, provide assistance and extend solidarity to the affected civilians.
Thus, we are appealing to your generous hearts and are calling for your support. Financial donations are welcome. This will help defray the costs of travel and other logistical expenses of the mission.
You may also donate in kind that may be brought to the evacuees. You may donate the following items:
1. Ready-to-eat or easy-to-cook food (Halal food most preferred as majority of the victims are Muslims)
2. Drinking water
3. Hygiene kits – bath and laundry soap, toothbrush/paste, sanitary pads, etc.
4. Blankets, sleeping mats, etc.
5. Pre-loved clothes (for adults and children), towels, etc.
6. For infants and toddlers: baby clothes, diapers, breastmilk pumps, milk bags, and other nursing needs for mother and babies
7. Non-prescription medicines e.g. paracetamol, ambroxol, etc.
Our sincerest thanks,
CRISTINA PALABAY
Secretary General
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Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
