Ahead of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on 26 June, representatives from the Philippine National Police, government and civil society committed to collaborate on the development of a national framework for everyone in the Philippines to be safe in custody.
The high-level meeting, held on 23 June 2023 and facilitated by the APT, saw all stakeholders agree on a national framework that will encompass six points of hope and progress:
- Seek common ground and work together
- Open police detention to independent and regular oversight
- Reduce the gap between law and practice
- Support and endorse practices and knowledge for effective policing
- Underscore prevention efforts with evidence, rule of law and human rights
- Mobilise and foster public support to demystify narratives that condone torture.
The high-level meeting was convened by Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) and the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), as part of the #SafeInCustody Project. Participants included representatives from the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice and the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC)-Philippines.
“The willingness expressed by all stakeholders to work together in support of the right to be safe in custody provides a strong foundation to make genuine progress,” said APT Regional Project Manager Nid Satjipanon.
Mr Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation Section, Delegation of the European Union to Philippines, expressed his support for the call to address torture and ill-treatment and welcomed the collaborative approach taken by all stakeholders.
Following on from the high-level meeting, TFDP and the CHRP partnered to host the "Basta Run Against Torture" (BRAT) in Quezon City on 26 June to promote the right for everyone to be safe in custody.
More than 400 participants joined the run – from civil society, government and Philippines law enforcement agencies – to express solidarity in the fight to end torture and ill-treatment.
Jerbert Briola, Project Coordinator of TFDP Safe in Custody Project said the BRAT event was a powerful form of public action to bring visibility to the campaign for full implementation of the Anti-Torture Law in the Philippines and the importance of establishing independent monitoring mechanisms.
"On this International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture, all stakeholders and survivors of torture around the world take the opportunity to speak out against the use of torture, and they act to remember and support its victims," said Mr Briola.
“This momentous public event serves to acknowledge the efforts and actions of all stakeholders in providing support to victims of torture and their endeavours to eradicate acts of torture from Philippines society.”
