Amnesty International has called on the Philippine government to stop using anti-terrorism laws against human rights activists and development workers. The organization criticized the ongoing crackdown on human rights groups, urging authorities to amend the legislation to create a supportive environment for these activists. Amnesty’s concerns were heightened by reports of state-sponsored intimidation targeting NGOs, which included harassment tactics like red-tagging, asset freezes, and unfounded arrest warrants.
Amnesty International urged the Philippines to end the misuse of anti-terrorism laws against human rights activists and urged reforms to create a secure environment for civil society. Concerns include state-sponsored harassment, red-tagging, and unwarranted arrests of activists. The organization calls for dismantling initiatives like the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, stressing the need to protect humanitarian efforts.
The use of anti-terrorism laws in the Philippines has increasingly been weaponized against human rights advocates, raising grave concerns about freedom and justice. Amnesty International’s calls for reform highlight the urgent need for the government to safeguard civil society and ensure that humanitarian efforts are not criminalized. To promote an environment of peace, dismantling campaigns of intimidation is essential for the protection of human rights in the Philippines.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
