Human Rights Online Philippines

#HumanRights #AcademicFreedom

Uphold Academic Freedom, Defend Our
Rights and Welfare, Reclaim our Democratic Spaces

Today, we remember that 50 years ago students, in solidarity with the Filipino people, resolved to defend democracy against the Marcos dictatorship and its autocratic policies in what was known as the Diliman Commune.

We draw inspiration from their bravery and their sacrifice. Now, we are faced with the far-reaching impact of the unilateral abrogation of the UP – DND Accord and the anti-terror law on the young of today.

The terror law, which broadly and vaguely defines terrorism, empowers the AFP to arrest and detain an individual up to 24 days without due process of the law. Meanwhile, 38 universities were red-tagged and accused by the AFP and PNP as recruitment grounds of rebels and communists.

Campuses are hotbed not of communists but of critical thinking, democratic discourse, debate and yes, protest. Only by nurturing, rather than stifling and stunting, academic freedom will the full potential of the youth as bearers of the future be realized. Let us continue to foster and nurture democracy in the midst of tyranny.

Stand For Our Rights!
Defend Academic Freedom!
Scrap Anti Terror Law!

Submit your contribution online through HRonlinePH@gmail.com
Include your full name, e-mail address, and contact number.

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos, etc.