ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Dec. 28 (PIA) – The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission in Basilan recently conducted a human rights education seminar to the constituents of Barangay Bukut Umus, Saluping Island, Municipality of Tabuan Lasa.
The Transitional Justice and Indigenous People's Rights Seminar is a program of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission in Basilan which aims to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in the island municipalities of the province.
During the opening program, Atty. Alman Namla explained that the program aims to introduce the Commission and its mandates to the people who are not normally reached by BARMM line agencies. He also mentioned that the activity includes brief lecture on Transitional Justice as part of the mandates of the Commission and wherein it shall establish for its implementation mechanism in the region.
Meanwhile Hon. Mayor Moner Manisan in his message, expressed his warm appreciation for the conduct of the activity in his home municipality as he manifested his full support for the BHRC in the conduct of human rights programs on the island.
Furthermore, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, were discussed by Special Investigator Umma Omar R. Edding, JD, Head of the Provincial Protection Division.
In addition, Atty. Namla also discussed the tenets of Transitional Justice wherein he emphasized the transitional justice in Bahasa Sug.
“Sambag ha panglungkup, panganyaya dakula pa manusiya. In maksud sin TJ, umingat iban kumila ha mga biktim iban mag sung sin kapatut nila ha supaya mapa-awn in kahanungan, kamaapan iban democracy” ( transitional justice is a response to systematic or widespread violations of human rights. It seeks recognition for victims and promotion of possibilities for peace, reconciliation and democracy) ” Atty Namla said.
Moreover, Atty. Gibran Abubakar, the Legal Officer of National Commission on Indigenous People in Basilan also delivered a very comprehensive lecture on the rights of Indigenous People by presenting the salient features of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People Rights Act of 1997. He emphasized that despite the law having been in effect for almost 25 years, its implementation is not yet felt by those who stand to benefit from it.
The participants are very much grateful to the event as they have learned about human rights and IP rights. (NBE/NDR-PIA Basilan)
