Letters From Supporters
Monday: 19 March 2001
Mary Robinson
High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Hina Jilani
Special Rapporteur for Defenders Human Rights,
Palais Wilson,
Geneva 10,
CH 1211 Switzerland
Fax: ++41 22 917 90 12
Tel. ++ 41 22 917 92 40
My Dear Mary Robinson and Hina Jilani,
Greetings and best wishes from the Port of Davao in the Southeastern Philippines!
Even though we do not know each other, I am presuming to ask that you take the strongest possible action to persuade the newly installed Philippine Government to act decisively and effectively on behalf of all those who dare to stand up and defend Human Rights and to have the political will to implement Article 12.2 of the UN Paris Declaration of 1998.
I have been in the Davao area for some 39 years : 18 of which were in Davao Oriental Province; 10 with the communities of Factory Workers in the Davao City Industrializing Area; and the past 11 years with the Seafarers, Dock Workers and various service groups within the Port of Davao. I know from experience that those protecting sexually abused and exploited children are at grave risk from death squads, sex traffickers, child abusers and even, at times, from harassment de jure.
This has been brought to your attention last February 20, 2001 by Father Shay Cullen and his co-workers for Children's Rights at the Preda Foundation, Olongapo City, Philippines. Fr. Shay and many of his Co-workers have been harassed and threatened even to the extent that their human rights are violated. Many others defending human rights are at risk.
Your task is difficult but so many of us believe in your ability to use your personal persuasive abilities and your respective positions to move governments to act decisively to protect Human Rights and implement Article 12.2 of the UN Paris Declaration of 1998.
Thank you for your kind and favorable consideration of this request. Be assured of our prayers and full support in the difficult task you face.
Peace and blessings to you and your Co-workers.
Fr. Jack Walsh, MM
AOS Chaplain: Port of Davao
AOS-Philippines: National Director
ICMA Coordinator: Asia Area
Stella Maris Seafarersí Center
Apostleship of the Sea (AOS)
Port of Davao
P.O. Box 80938
8000 Davao City Philippines
Phone: (63-82) 234-3479 & 3480
Fax: (62-82) 234-3480 & 234-1569
E-mail: HYPERLINK
mailto: aos-dvo@interasia.com.ph
aos-dvo@interasia.com.ph