BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Philippines is a dangerous place for women and for woman human rights defenders, rights group Karapatan said on Thursday, International Women Human Rights Defenders' Day. Among the women human rights defenders killed are Karapatan Visayas coordinator Elisa Badayos, peasant advocates Jean Plabial, Teresita Pesadilla, and Haide Flores, and Moro and women’s rights activist Mariam Acob. Palabay also called for the immediate release of women defenders she said were jailed for their advocacies, including Lumad volunteer teacher Jolita Tolino, youth activist Myles Albasin, development worker Rita Espinoza, and women rights defender Hedda Calderon. Karapatan and Tanggol Bayi meanwhile urged the passage of the Human Rights Defenders' Bill, which accordingly aims to create a conducive environment for human rights advocacy, giving special attention to gender-based forms of violence. "As we commemorate the International Women Human Rights Defenders' Day, we remember our sisters who struggled alongside us.

Source: Philippine Star November 29, 2018 09:36 UTC