Rights for All, Rights for Equality Forum: Leveling up discourses on human rights

In celebration of Human Rights Week and International Human Rights Day, the Ateneo Human Rights Center, SPARK! Philippines, the Embassy of the United States in the Philippines, and the French Embassy for the Philippines and Micronesia joined forces in staging the #RightsForAllRightsForEquality human rights forum and panel discussion.  Participants from multi-sectoral groups attended the forum at the Amphitheatre of the Ateneo Professional Schools on Friday, December 9.

The #RightsForAllRightsForEquality forum sought to level up discourses on human rights using intersectional perspectives and raise awareness that respect for human rights also strengthens mechanisms contributing to gender equality.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency MaryKay Carlson delivered the opening remarks. Carlson reiterated in her speech that the U.S. government remains highly committed to protecting women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Ateneo Law School alumna and Makati City Mayor, Atty. Abigail Binay was the keynote speaker at the event. She also vowed to commit to ensure rights and protection among the most vulnerable sectors in society including women, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Among the panel discussants were Ann Dumaliang (Co-founder and Managing Trustee of Masungi Georeserve Foundation), Kaye Brier (Journalist at the Philippine Daily Inquirer), Princess Jacel Kiram (Chairperson, International Center for Peace, Reconciliation, and Development),  Police Lieutenant Colonel Mary Grace Riego Madayag (Chief, Anti-trafficking in Persons Division, PNP’s Division of Women and Children Protection Section).

The panel discussion was moderated by Karen Lucia Gomez-Dumpit, former Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights.

As one of the university-based institutions in the country engaged in the protection and promotion of human rights, the Ateneo Human Rights Center, also vows to continue its efforts to promote human rights for the marginalized sectors including women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Photos courtesy of the Ateneo Human Rights Center