Tag Archives: Medical Action Group

[Statement] Pro-people and rights-based COVID-19 response is needed, MAG demands for a comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response | MAG

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#HumanRights #HealthWorkers #COVID19ph

MAG Statement
Pro-people and rights-based COVID-19 response is needed, MAG demands for a comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response
September 3, 2021

More than a year in lockdown, the Philippine government still needs to understand that the imposition of wide-scale lockdowns will not suffice in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. By September 1, 2021, the Philippines recorded a total of two (2) million COVID-19 cases. With a population of 109 million people, only around 33 million doses have been administered, with 13.7 million individuals fully vaccinated, and 19.3 million got their 1st dose, as of August 29, 2021.

As the Philippine government continues to fall behind in supporting the overwhelmed health system, more and more lives of Filipinos are put at risk. The recent issue on misuse and underutilization of DOH funds and questionable COVID-19 supplies procurement, involving PhP 67 billion worth of COVID-19 funds has raised concerns on corruption within the health department. At the same time, reports of patients not able to access health services, whether for COVID-19 or not, due to overcapacity of hospitals have become common. The government needs to hasten crafting solutions in accordance with these realities in the grassroots and the health facilities. Specifically, this may include provision of additional life support equipment (e.g. ventilators and hospital oxygen supply), establishment of systematic contact tracing, integration of local and national referral systems such as the One Hospital Command Center to effectively coordinate COVID19 and non COVID19 cases, as well as faster vaccine rollouts.

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[Video] “Self-care for People At Risk” -MAG

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“Self-care for People At Risk”

This video aims to inform and remind people-at-risk on the effects of stress and how it can be effectively managed through self-care and other means readily available to them. This is a part of the Action “Empowered Human Rights Defenders for the Protection and Defense of All Human Rights for All and in the Fight Against Impunity in the Philippines” European Union (EU) project.

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[Statement] “What a disgrace”, MAG Statement on the discrimination against some Iloilo City health workers on COVID-19

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Discriminating the health workers who are in the frontline in the battle against Covid 19 out of fear and ignorance is outrageous and should be condemned.

We, the Medical Action Group, a health and human rights organization is seriously alarmed with the news report that some health workers in Iloilo City have been told to leave their boarding houses by their landlords and have even refused to eat in cafeterias due to suspicions of close contact with coronavirus patients. This act is “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”. The utter lack of social value and even the debt of gratitude by many of our countrymen to those who are serving the best interest of the public calls for stricter regulation and sanction against any form of discrimination.

While we do understand that stigma is a product of fear of the uncertainties but acting it out at the expense of others is an affront to human rights and dignity. It is just disheartening to know that health professionals are now being discriminated against. Despite the fact that they are risking their own lives so the rest of us may live. Some of them have even volunteered their services. The least that we could do is to give them our support and encouragement. The public should rest assured that the health professionals are mindful of observing hospital protocols and doing all precautionary measures. While some of them have already been infected and sacrificed their lives in their line of duties, it gives us no reason to treat them in an inhuman and degrading manner.

The Department of Health (DoH) should not just simply encourage the public to support the work of health frontliners but must institute measures to ensure the protection, safety, and well-being of health professionals and workers from any discriminatory treatment. Isolating people from the very institutions that are mandated to serve the public will only hamper the prompt delivery of health care services. They are our only line of defense, without them, our fear will turn into a nightmare.

In this time of crisis, let us bring the best and not the worst in us. Remember, any disease can be cured in due time but there will never be any cure for foolishness.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/medicalactiongroup-mag/what-a-disgrace-mag-statement-on-the-discrimination-against-some-iloilo-city-hea/10158188547414207/

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[Statement] PH must take full responsibility on the possible consequences of the risky Dengue Vaccine -MAG

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PH must take full responsibility on the possible consequences of the risky Dengue Vaccine

The Medical Action Group, a human rights organization of health professionals advocating for the right to health of all, is seriously concerned over the controversy surrounding the suspended P3.5-billion dengue immunization program after the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Dengvaxia revealed the clinical trial data showing that the vaccine could have adverse side effects to those who have no history of infection by the deadly dengue virus.

While we acknowledged the decision of the Philippine government to immediately suspend the program to avoid creating mass hysteria, it can’t simply wash its hands and point fingers to others as another justification of their political witch hunting. Probing into the possible irregularities and determining the accountability of those responsible is certainly a welcome move as it is the right of the people to know considering that more than 700,000 Filipinos, mostly gradeschoolers, have received this risky dengue vaccine. But it has to take full responsibility in addressing its possible consequences.

We are giving the Department of Health (DOH) a benefit of a doubt that it might have strictly followed the recommendations set forth by the World Health Organization in their decision to introduce the mass vaccination in 2016 in areas with high dengue prevalence such as National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon until its recent suspension.

Acting on its mandated duty to effectively prevent the escalation of an epidemic by controlling and eliminating any life-threatening, infectious and communicable diseases, requires utmost precautions. While vaccination has been considered as an effective disease preventive and controlling measure but it is not 100% safe. Serious side effects and even death usually occur as different patient responds differently to any medicine. While nothing is without risks, serious harms from vaccines though very rare can be avoided if the government has taken further steps to ensure the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.

We can’t blame the public for being quizzical on why the government made a fast-track approval to implement a mandatory vaccination of untested and unproven dengue vaccine. We find it not only irresponsible but also an infringement of the rights of the patients for a safe and scientifically standard medical treatment.

We, in the health sector, believe that vaccination alone to control the spread of disease is not enough. It should form part of a comprehensive disease control strategy backed by evidence-based best practices for clinical care of patients with constant monitoring and a mechanism for possible mitigation.

It is now the right time more than ever for the Philippine government to adopt the rights based governance in public health as it is the right thing to do, morally or legally. By putting the people and their rights at the center of health care system, it can enable to provide communities the opportunities to be heard and be counted for, while it can better equip the government to achieve a more realistic and sustainable human development outcomes.

What the government should do is to ACT NOW and ACT DECISIVELY for the best interest of the public by providing accurate and transparent information and by delivering adequate and proper medical intervention without discrimination. A public health policy failure can constitute a denial of the right to health including the guarantee for claims of redress.

As we take part in the week-long commemoration of the International Human Rights Day that will culminate in December 10, let us all be reminded – both the government and the public – that the guarantee of healthy lives and well-being is not an act of charity but the responsibility of all.

MEDICAL ACTION GROUP
Contact Person
Ms. Edeliza P. Hernandez
Executive Director
Mobile No. 09498834814
Office No. (02) 273-4609

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[From the web] Effective and humane ways to manage the drug problem in the Philippines, a human rights and public health perspective -by Jerbert Briola

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Effective and humane ways to manage the drug problem in the Philippines, a human rights and public health perspective
by Jerbert Briola

Torture Journal, Vol. 27, No. 2 (2017)
The Torture Journal is an international scientific journal that provides an interdisciplinary forum for the exchange of original research and systematic reviews by professionals concerned with the biomedical, psychological and social interface of torture and the rehabilitation of its survivors.

Read full article @ torture-journal

[Statement] MAG’s Position Paper on the Proposed Law Establishing the National Preventive Mechanism

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[Note] MAG’s Position Paper on the Proposed Law Establishing the National Preventive Mechanism.
by dars0357.wordpress.com

The Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture (OPCAT) establishes “a system of regular visits undertaken by independent international and national bodies to places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”.

MAG

The setting up of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) as one or several visiting bodies designated or maintained, at the domestic level, is in fact already long overdue as the Philippines is obligated to establish this preventive system within one year from its ratification of the OPCAT in 2012.

Nonetheless, the Medical Action Group (MAG) welcomes the on-going legislative process at the House of Representatives for the enactment of the NPM to complement the implementation of Republic Act No. 9745 or the “Anti Torture Law of 2009”. This piece of legislation seeks to prevent the act of torture and other forms of ill-treatment and to complete the necessary protection mechanism to end torture impunity.

While the OPCAT does not specify a specific form or structure for the NPM and the states are free to designate one or several new or existing bodies as their NPMs. It does however provide minimum requirements for the NPM according to which it should be:

  • Independent (its function, personal and institutional capacity);
  • Provided with sufficient resources (financial, human, logistical or material);
  • Have the expertise necessary to fulfil its mandate;
  • Have powers and guarantees, in particular access to all places of deprivation of liberty, information and persons; and
  • Enjoy privileges and immunities (i.e. protection from sanctions and confidentiality of information).

One of the possible organizational forms that the NPM can take is the designation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the CHR is to ‘exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities. But these are merely general visitorial powers. However, the visiting mandate of the NPM is specifically aimed at the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and has particular features prescribed by the OPCAT for unrestricted and unannounced visits. Thus, the NPM should be proactive and non-adversarial in its approach.

The MAG is fully supporting the proposed set up reflected in House Bill No. 5193 authored by Reps. Kit Belmonte and Barry Gutierrez for the establishment of the NPM as an attached agency to the CHR. An attached body to the CHR can make possible the diversity of expertise, but also gender balance and the adequate representation of ethnic and minority groups.

Nonetheless, whatever form the NPM may take, what is essential is that the NPM can carry out its mandate to conduct regular visits to all places of detentions without restriction. Their visits should lead to reports and concrete recommendations to improve the protection of persons deprived of liberty. After which, an annual report on their activities and their findings must be published after consultations with relevant government agencies and non-government organizations. The NPM can also give comments on relevant laws and regulations and propose for necessary reforms.

However, the setting up of the NPM should not be limited to legal consideration as it also involves health issues. The MAG believes that the participation of medical and health professionals in these visiting mechanisms is essential to address health issues related to torture and ill-treatment, examines and gives treatment to detainees, recommending actions to be taken to improve the treatment of detainees, to evaluate the health system and to assess the impact of general conditions of detention on the heath of detained population.

The United Nations Manual on the effective investigation and documentation of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (or ‘Istanbul Protocol’) was developed to specifically use for torture documentation using scientific evidence based gathering. The Istanbul Protocol is now an internationally recognized guideline for medical and legal experts. It can be used as a tool to gather and document accurate and reliable evidence in connection with cases where torture is alleged and to help practitioners to assess the consistency between allegations and medical findings.

The medical professionals are in essence a key to prevent torture impunity. The medical documentation and medico-legal reports (MLR) that they write are important facts that can be used as pieces of evidence in legal or administrative proceeding for prosecuting torture cases and facilitating redress and reparation for survivors. It is therefore important to increase the capacity of medical practitioners in evaluating the physical and medical conditions of persons deprived of liberty using of the Istanbul Protocol. Thus, the Department of Health (DoH) needs to take an active role in the work of the NPM.

While the Republic Act (RA) No. 9745 or Anti-Torture Law has a number of strong provisions relating to victim’s access to a physical, medical and psychological examination, but until now, torture victims still rarely have access to a legal counsel and a medical doctor immediately after arrest and during detention. And even if investigating authorities guarantee the access to medical examination, the lack of formal knowledge and capacity of the medical doctors who are often among the first persons to come into contact with torture survivors creates a medical complicity as some doctors don’t perform the medical examination properly and diligently either due to low awareness on torture documentation or because of the intimidation or the fear of reprisal from the government authorities.

Thus in many cases, the investigations concerning allegations of torture are either completely unreliable. In some cases, medical examination is only allowed after inquest as torture victims were only seen by doctors assigned to any police or military health centers or to government hospitals who often just do cursory “check list” physical examinations with no inquiries about how torture marks may have been inflicted and the medical certificates have no reference to torture and the need for medical treatment.

Prevention of torture must also go hand in hand with prison reform. Prison condition as MAG observed is the most punishing aspect of doing time in jails. The general prison conditions are not only found dangerous to health and to human life. It breeds diseases, breaks down of one’s sanity and exacerbates tensions among inmates. Sexual violence and abuse are also being reported rampant in the correctional and custodial system. This is despite the passage of the Republic Act 10575 or the Prison Modernization Act of 2013. Major reforms must be undertaken that could give prison inmates a chance at rehabilitation and a meaningful life after imprisonment.

MAG has been advocating for prison reform for the past three decades. We have in fact submitted a recommendation to the Office of the Executive Secretary in 2011 on the Amended Guidelines for Recommending Executive Clemency particularly on Section 3 regarding Extraordinary Circumstances. We then proposed that:

  • for humanitarian reason, to lower the age cut-off requirement to sixty (60) from seventy (70) years old; and
  • for medical reason, to include terminally ill prisoners and debilitating diseases.
  • This as we argued conforms to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners.

For the NPM to effectively work, the Subcommittee on the Prevention Against Torture has given special value on civil society’s involvement. Not only that individuals working for civil society members should be give a place in the NPM but the appointment procedures should be made transparent, inclusive and participatory.

For MAG, the creation of the NPM should not be considered merely a “quick fix solution” but rather should be given careful review of the its mandate, jurisdiction, independence, membership, powers and responsibilities and working methods, to ensure that it fully complies with the international human rights standards.

The work of the NPM should go beyond regular visits and recommendations by conducting awareness-raising, training, or even launching of localized public inquiries, consultation and coordination meetings on how to address torture and ill-treatment and the general conditions of detention.

Ending impunity requires accountability. But it can start from preventing the commission of the human rights violation through collaborative efforts.

Medical Action Group

Note: MAG’s position paper was presented during the Technical Working Group Meeting of Committee on Human Rights, at the House of Representatives on 10 February, 2015.

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[Press Release] Human rights groups urge the government to lead the way in the protection of human rights defenders in the ASEAN region

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Human rights groups urge the government to lead the way in the protection of human rights defenders in the ASEAN region

The Medical Action Group (MAG) and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) urge the government to lead the way in the protection and defense of human rights defenders in the ASEAN region through enactment of a law on the protection of human rights defenders and conduct a comprehensive legislative audit in order to review and repeal laws which criminalize their work.

MAG TFDP

In a statement, “the Philippines should ensure that the leadership it shows in terms of promotion of human rights in the ASEAN is reflected in our national laws,” MAG and TFDP said.

Based on documentation of the MAG and TFDP, it is increasingly well documented that the use of laws to impede the activities of human rights defenders and to criminalize them is alarming. http://www.omct.org/files/2014/12/22918/obs_2014_uk_web2.pdf

“We have faced significant challenges on the field that in many cases, complaints by human rights defenders about alleged violations of their rights are not investigated or are dismissed without justification. For instance, the case of Antonio L. Tolentino, human rights defender and barangay chairperson of Barangay Hacienda Dolores in Porac, Pampanga, he is in detention since April this year due to lack of competent investigation into the charges filed by the private security agency employed by ,”  Edeliza P. Hernandez, MAG Executive Director said.

Further, Emmanuel C. Amistad, TFDP Executive Director, said that it is disconcerting to know the arrest and detention of Jose Aaron Pedrosa, Jr., lawyer and human rights defender, on November 25, 2014 in Mandaue City. He was charged with obstruction of justice while pleading to authorities to stop harassing the residents of Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Subang Daku, Mandaue City. These acts of intimidation and harassment only shows the inadequacy of laws to support the work of human rights defenders and serving to further erode any confidence in our judicial system.

Human rights defenders play a crucial role in exposing and seeking accountability for human rights violations both by government and corporations. Their work is crucial to transparency, good governance and justice for victims.

The MAG and TFDP are currently implementing 3-year project, “Use of Evidence Based Approach to Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and their Families, and in the Fight Against Impunity”, worth Php 25 million supported by the European Union (EU) under its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), to provide support for and strengthen protection of human rights defenders and their families.

The provision of medical and psychological services including temporary shelter, and legal support to human rights defenders at risk and their families, as they participate in long, extremely difficult and for some reason, dangerous legal proceeding, have resulted in providing adequate protection for them to pursue legal remedies.

“We continuously ensure efforts have been made to cooperate with the UN system and human rights mechanisms with a mandate to protect human rights defenders wherein the United Nations Human Rights Council in its 27th session on August 27, 2014 (A/HRC/27/38, August 27, 2014, Human Rights Council, 27th session Agenda items 2 and 5) included in its agenda the intimidation and harassment against Jun Sapanghari, human rights defender in Bukidnon, killings of  land rights defenders Elisa Tulid in Quezon province, Sixto Bagasala Jr. in Malabon City  and Julieto Lauron in Bukidnon,” MAG and TFDP both said.

It is, however, regrettable that despite repeated calls by international human rights organizations and members of the diplomatic community, the Philippines have yet to act on enactment of specific law on the protection of human rights defenders.

“We call on the government to provide the basis for a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders like Brgy. Captain Tolentino, Atty. Pedrosa among others and take all steps to end restrictions against them,’ MAG and TFDP both concluded.

House Bill No. 1472 , “Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2013” http://www.congress.gov.ph/members/search.php?id=hicap-f&pg=coauth could assist not only to provide formal legal protection to the work of human rights defenders, but also to give official recognition to the legitimacy of such work, educate authorities, public officials and the public at large about the importance of human rights defenders and the protection thereof.-end-

BACKGROUND

The MAG and TFDP are currently implementing 3-year project worth Php 25 million supported by the European Union (EU) under its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines/documents/press_corner/20142606c.pdf to provide support for and strengthen protection of human rights defenders and their families.

The title of the project is “Use of Evidence Based Approach to Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and their Families, and in the Fight Against Impunity”.

The prevention of torture and the rehabilitation of torture victims has been one of the priorities for funding under the EIDHR which, since 2006, has provided more than € 6 million (or Php 360 million) to support civil society’s efforts to address various human rights issues in the Philippines.

Under its bilateral cooperation, the EU also provides significant resources and technical assistance for the protection of human rights. Through the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme (EPJUST), it notably cooperates with the various stakeholders of the criminal justice system to reinforce their capacities to ensure the conviction of perpetrators of major human rights violations such as extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

In the future, the EU will increase its support to the Commission on Human Rights and to civil society for better human rights protection.

December 10, 2014
Press release

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[Press Release] EU reiterates commitment to end torture

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EU reiterates commitment to end torture
during the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

The European Union reiterated its commitment to promote human rights and to eliminate torture during a forum, “End Torture in the Philippines” with the Medical Action Group (MAG) and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) held in Makati City. This event took place to mark the “International Day in Support of Victims of Torture”.

MAG TFDP

“Torture is not only a tragedy for its victims – it is also degrading for those who perpetrate it, and inevitably it harms the welfare of societies which tolerate such outrages”, EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux said.

It is recognised that positive gains have been made by the Aquino administration in its efforts to stop the practice of torture in the Philippines. There is a need to end the culture of impunity by bringing perpetrators to justice and to encourage all stakeholders to double their collective efforts. “While  a significant improvement to the legal environment in torture prevention in the Philippines through the enactment of the Anti-Torture Law in 2009 can be noted, much still needs to be done to  implement it and hold those responsible for torture cases accountable”,  he said.

The EU Ambassador praised the efforts made by the Commission of Human Rights and civil society organisations including the Medical Action Group and the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines in monitoring the torture cases and in addressing the legal and medical concerns of the victims of torture.

Meanwhile, Edeliza P. Hernandez, MAG Executive Director said that “The existence of “wheel of torture” game at a Philippine National Police (PNP) detention facility in Biñan, Laguna where detainees are reportedly tortured by authorities and its discovery by the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) early this year  only shows the culture of torture impunity in the country.”

Emmanuel C. Amistad, TFDP Executive Director cited the “June 26 Declaration as important step to urge the authorities for a more systematic and diligent implementation of the Anti-Torture Law to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, and to ensure zero-tolerance of torture in all detention and custodial facilities nationwide.”

The forum aimed at presenting and discussing key findings and concrete recommendations of a report on the implementation of the Anti-Torture law prepared by the United Against Torture Coalition, a network of civil society organisations. The review examines actual torture cases and highlights the challenges faced by torture survivors and their families to seek redress even after the enactment of the Anti-Torture Law in 2009.-end-

BACKGROUND

The forum is organised within the framework of a three-year project implemented by MAG and TFDP and funded by the EU under its financial Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) which support actions of civil society organisations. This project entitled “Use of Evidence Based Approach to Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and their Families, and in the Fight Against Impunity” and  is supported with an EU grant. It aims to provide support for and strengthen protection of human rights defenders and their families.

The prevention of torture and the rehabilitation of torture victims has been one of the priorities for funding under the EIDHR which, since 2006, has provided more than € 6 million (or Php 360 million) to support civil society’s efforts to address various human rights issues in the Philippines.

Under its bilateral cooperation, the EU also provides significant resources and technical assistance for the protection of human rights. Through the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme (EPJUST), it notably cooperates with the various stakeholders of the criminal justice system to reinforce their capacities to ensure the conviction of perpetrators of major human rights violations such as extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

In the future, the EU will increase its support to the Commission on Human Rights and to civil society for better human rights protection.

June 26, 2014
Press release

[Announcement] Report or share info about Human Rights Violations committed against Human Rights Defenders -MAG/TFDP

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Dear fellow human rights defenders,

The Medical Action Group (MAG) and the Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), has embarked on collaborative partnership in implementing a 3-year project (September 2013-August 2016) entitled, “Use of Evidence Based Approach to Human Rights Documentation and Monitoring for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and their Families, and in the Fight Against Impunity” under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) Country Based Support Scheme (CBSS) for the Philippines.

MAGTFDP logo small

Human rights defenders (HRDs) play important role in protecting and defending human rights. The definition and role of human rights defenders draws upon operative of the UN Declaration on the Rights and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Fundamental Freedoms[1]. The work and activities of HRDs include documenting, monitoring and reporting of human rights violations (HRVs) cases and supporting HRVs victims and their families in seeking redress through provision of medical and psychological services, and legal support among others.

By protecting the HRDs, we aim to increase the availability of evidenced-based documentation of HRVs cases, facilitate victims’ access to this documentation as evidence in legal actions, and raise awareness among policy-makers, health and legal professionals and the public at large of the need to break impunity.

The objective is to protect HRDs through improved and evidence based documentation that can be used in the prosecution of alleged HRVs cases, and in capacity building of HRDs in the fight against impunity in the country.

Target group are HRDs at risk and their families. However, there is a set of admissibility criteria for the project which are outlined in the Description of the Action by the Beneficiaries and in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

The target locations are: National Capital Region, Pampanga, Eastern Samar, Bukidnon and Basilan. However, still subject of request for approval are provinces of Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Bulacan, Aurora, Region IV-A i.e. CALABARZON and Negros Occidental.

Please note that we will publish a briefing paper about this project with other important details in relation to its Communications and Visibility plan. The project ensures the broadest possible participation of stakeholders such as Civil Society Organizations and HRDs.

We hope that some of you are interested to get involved in the project by reporting to us or sharing any information about alleged HRVs committed or is suspected of having committed against HRDs. Kindly take note that all records, documents, materials and other information pertaining to and gathered, generated and produced arising out of the project, as strictly confidential.

If you have any questions, suggestions or clarifications, kindly communicate to us through: mobile phone no. +63928-9055920, telephone nos. +632-441-10-73 and 433-15-94, e-mail address: mag.1982@magph.org, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/medicalactiongroup or Twitter @medactiongroup

Thank you.
Sincerely,

(Sgd.) Jerbert M. Briola
Project Officer-EIDHR/2013-325-656
Medical Action Group

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[Featured Site] MD4HR.net

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MD4HR.net

MD4HR

MAG

The http://www.MD4HR.net is an online database of public health doctors like the City and Municipal Health Officers (C/MHO), Rural Health Physicians (RHP), Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB), Medical Officers, Medico-Legal Officers, Emergency Physicians and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Forensic doctors and Philippine National Police (PNP) doctors trained through the initiative of the Medical Action Group, Inc. (MAG) as part of its campaign against torture in the Philippines.

The purpose of http://www.MD4HR.net is to increase public awareness and access to the doctors trained on various human rights concepts, medical and psychological examination of torture victims, sexually-abused and survivors through an online interactive map.

Another aim of http://www.MD4HR.net is to offer a venue for reporting of human rights violation cases like torture and sexual assault as well as the list of the Department of Health (DOH) Retained Hospitals and Women and Children Protection Units in the Philippines.

Visit MD4HR.net @www.md4hr.net

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[Event/Advisory] Enhancing the Capacities of Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Officers for Effective Investigation and Increased Prosecution of Torture Cases Using Medical Evidence -MAG

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MEDICAL ACTION GROUP, INC.
Health and Human Rights for All

January 22, 2013

MEDIA ADVISORY

PLEASE COVER:

Note to News Desk/Editors: We would be grateful if you would send reporter and photographer to the following training event:

“Enhancing the Capacities of Prosecutors and Law Enforcement Officers for
Effective Investigation and Increased Prosecution of Torture Cases
Using Medical Evidence”

January 23, 2013 (Wednesday), 8:30 to 10:00 AM
Goldland Millenia Suites
8001 Saint Jose Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
(beside Astoria Hotel and in front of the National Economic Development Authority or NEDA office)

Non-governmental organization the Medical Action Group (MAG), in partnership with the British Embassy Manila, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will start the first batch of training of forty-five (45) investigators and prosecutors on investigation and prosecution of torture cases using physical and medical evidence. This training will have a direct impact on the ability to investigate and secure prosecutions by improving the quality of physical and medical evidence in court cases. The training is undertaken with funding from the British Embassy’s Human Rights and Democracy Programme.

Guests:

DOJ Undersecretary Francisco F. Baraan III
PNP Director General Alan Purisima (to be confirmed)
PCSuperintendent Nestor M. Fajura, Head, PNP Human Rights Affairs Office
Mr. Steph Lysaght, Head, Political Section, British Embassy Manila
Dr. Erlinda Senturias, Chairperson, MAG

Guests are available for interview.

Contact reference:
Jerbert M. Briola
Mobile phone no. 0915-9629237, telefax no. +632-433-15-94
e-mail address: jerbertph@yahoo.com

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[Event] ASIAN Regional Conference on Enhancing Capacity of Rehabilitation Center and Civil Society in Access to Justice of Victims in Torture – MAG

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ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENHANCING CAPACITY OF REHABILITATION CENTER AND CIVIL SOCIETY IN ACCESS TO JUSTICE
OF VICTIMS IN TORTURE

Introduction

The International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) invites nominations for participation and call for conference papers in the Asian Regional Conference on enhancing the capacity of rehabilitation centers and civil society in accessing justice for the victims of torture to be held in Manila, Philippines from 22-24 November 2011. The theme of the conference is “Access to Justice of Victims of Torture in Rehabilitation.” The Asian Regional Conference is being organized by the Medical Action Group (MAG), an IRCT member-organization in the Philippines.

Article 2 of the UN Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (referred hereafter as the CAT) says in part that each State party should “take effective legislative, administrative, judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture.”

Torture is prohibited in all international human rights instruments and domestic laws. Still, torture is prevalent in many countries in the world. These conditions continue to prevail and are widespread due to lack of infrastructure in place for investigation of torture case, prosecution of perpetrators at all levels and the  holistic rehabilitation for torture victims.

In Asia, these issues are significant considering the situation that torture cases are not promptly, impartially and effectively investigated. This is compounded with the fact that majority of perpetrators go unpunished, and many governments do not take the necessary steps to provide access to holistic rehabilitation and justice for the victims. Each of the rehabilitation centers and civil society working with the torture victims, in general, is characterized by different set of challenges and opportunities. But they all a common share common goal of eliminating torture and that justice must be given to torture victims.

Following the obligations of States to prevent torture and to hold perpetrators accountable, Article 14 of the CAT stipulates that each State party shall ensure in its legal system that victims of torture obtain redress and have an enforceable right to fair and adequate compensation including the means for as full rehabilitation as possible. It is important to note that the services provided by rehabilitation centers for the victims of torture go beyond the aspects of rehabilitation. They also contribute to raising public awareness on campaign against torture and enhancing capacity of civil society supporting torture victims and their families to obtain redress. The campaign and advocacy work about the prevalence of torture and government’s acquiescence or participation in it can create public discourse and pressure, and eventually bring about policy change on the need for justice as part of rehabilitation.

This clearly illustrates the vital role that rehabilitation centers play in access to justice for the victims of torture with which fulfilling torture victims’ right to rehabilitation is therefore an important element in preventing further violation and in promoting social healing and justice.

Objectives

The general objective of the conference is to map out the different approaches adopted by rehabilitation centers and civil society in accessing justice for the victims of torture.

The conference will be a venue for exchange of information about related rehabilitation work and access to justice initiatives in the region, to discuss challenges and ways by which these can be overcome, and to share different programs and initiatives with the objective of exchanging views and adopting “good practice” or “successful intervention”, which may be applicable in the Philippines and in Asia.

The conference will seek to:

1.    Identify areas of common concerns, specifically on the need for capacity development for institutions that are engaged in access to justice program; and
2.    Discuss and plan for possible collaborative and cooperative actions that address the challenges faced by various organizations represented and similar organizations in the region, especially in enhancing their capacity to continue their rehabilitation and access to justice work.

Learning methodology

The conference will be conducted in a participatory manner using methods such as group discussion, information sharing and presentation of the highlights of conference papers submitted by each IRCT member in Asia. Experts in the field of human rights and rehabilitation work will be invited to speak on a particular subject. Audio-visual material will also be used to facilitate communication and inter-cultural learning.

On November 21, a meeting of IRCT Asian regional partners on Non-State Actors or NSA project i.e. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Philippines will be conducted before the actual conference to discuss the facilitation of the Regional Conference. From November 22-24, these will be devoted to discussion on sessions on issues and challenges concerning rehabilitation and access to justice work.

Participants

Representatives from nineteen IRCT members in Asia and local NGOs will be selected to participate. (Please wait for further notice on the number of representative that be selected from each IRCT member and local NGOs.) Selected participants from local NGOs are also invited those who are actively working in the field of rehabilitation work, access to justice and, related to civil and political rights.

The selected participant who will take part in the conference must prepare in advance a 5-10 page paper, (1.5 space, 12 font, Times New Roman) addressing the rehabilitation work in access to justice of victims of torture. Abstract should be submitted no later than October 7, 2011. The annex to this note provides separate information on submission of abstracts.

If your organization would like to nominate a participant, please submit a nomination letter to the conference Secretariat on or before October 7. Participants who have been selected will be informed by October 17. We will send out another wave of invitation through e-mail by October 18 which will include the conference venue, program detail, list of participants and other logistical requirements.

A list of accepted paper abstracts will be posted online at this time or will be sent through e-mail.

Practical information

The conference organizers will cover travel costs (including visa fees) and accommodation during the entire duration of the conference. Please let us know all your travel need and arrangement, air and land.

Flight reservation:  Please make your booking arrangements ahead of time and ensure that modest or economy class travel is maximize otherwise we will provide you with all the travel arrangements required from the city of departure to your final destination.  If you have any special needs or require special assistance, please let us know at the time of reservation so that we can accommodate all your needs.

Insurance:  Please let us know at the time of reservation if you require travel insurance.

Visa:  We highly recommend that you check with us prior to travel and especially with your consulate the visa requirements for each country as international laws change frequently. Please also check the link http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/consular-services/visa

Dietary requirement: Please let us know your dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or halal food) when you submit your nomination form so that necessary arrangement could made for your food requirements.

Dress code: Please wear your national costume or clothing which is significant for your country during the formal opening ceremony on November 22 as the diplomatic communities will be invited to the opening event.

Nominations, paper abstracts and conference related communications should be sent to the conference Secretariat thru e-mail at IRCTasianconfab2011@gmail.com. Please also check our Facebook http://www.facebook.com/medicalactiongroup and website http://magph.org/ for conference updates.

Call for conference paper

Conference theme:  Rehabilitation in Access to Justice of Victims of Torture

Theme Tracks

I.    Role of rehabilitation center in access to justice for torture victims
II.    Forensic Evidence in the fight Against Torture
III.    Good practice or successful interventions in Access to Justice
IV.    Concept, Significance and the Link of Rehabilitation with Access to Justice
Guidelines for Submission of Paper Abstracts

1.    All abstract must be submitted electronically. Abstracts submitted should be of previously original work.
2.    All abstract submissions are required to be structured under these headings:
I.    Purpose
II.    Method
III.    Result
IV.    Conclusion
3.    Only one author can be listed as the presenter. Co-authors are welcome to attend the session. But the expenses fare is to be shouldered by the sending organization.
4.    All abstract must be 450 words or less, use Times New Roman, 12 font size and be no more than a single legal size page. Handwritten abstract will not be accepted. The title and the designated presenter are not included in the word count. Headings within the abstract are included in the word count.
5.    All abstract must be submitted in English.
6.    Acronyms and abbreviations should be spelled out at first use.

Full paper submissions are due by November 18, 2011. All submissions must be in PDF format and submitted electronically.

The conference Secretariat must receive abstract by not later than October 7, 2011. Abstract should be addressed to Edeliza P. Hernandez, Executive Director of MAG and head of the conference Secretariat through e-mail at IRCTasianconfab2011@gmail.com

[Press Release] Health group pushes for prison reforms as 63 year old, ailing political prisoner dies at New Bilibid Prison

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Mariano Umbrero, 63, political prisoner incarcerated at New Bilibid Prison (NBP), passed away yesterday as a result of his deteriorating medical condition and lack of medical care. It is a general knowledge that inmates in prisons/jails all over the country are living in deplorable conditions.

Given the extent to which lung cancer of Tatay Umbrero, as he was fondly called inside NBP, had progressed, in mid-March this year, he was in and out of NBP hospital.

“It was just inhuman. Tatay Umbrero’s life could have been prolonged if he was freed immediately from prison. We believe a hospital complete with medical facilities-not a prison cell-is the place for old and sick inmates like him,” Edeliza P. Hernandez, Medical Action Group (MAG) said.

Tatay Umbrero has been dying to taste freedom through executive clemency by President Benigno Aquino III. He was in detention at NBP since 2004.

If the government chose to take concrete steps over indecision, Tatay Umbrero could have joined his loved ones and enjoyed the remaining days of his life outside the prison walls.

“We could not understand why the government has not expedited Tatay Umbrero’s release, when he have already served his minimum sentence and no longer pose any danger to society. With the single stroke of a pen, PNoy could have immediately signed the application for executive clemency of Tatay Umbrero and ordered his immediate release,” Hernandez added.

MAG said that “what happened to Tatay Umbrero, highlight the problems besetting our correction system. As of November 7, 2007, based on the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care (ECPPC) data showed that there are 122 convicts who are eligible for pardon, having already reached the age of 70.”

MAG submitted to the DOJ proposed amendments on the Rules of Parole and Amended Guidelines for Recommending Executive Clemency of the 2006 Revised Manual of the Board of Pardons and Parole, Section 3, Extraordinary Circumstances, which are:

1.      On the age cut-off, we proposed to lower the age requirement to sixty (60) from seventy (70) years old; and

2.      To include terminally ill prisoners and debilitating diseases.

“We call on PNoy and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study our proposals when it comes to rehabilitation of elderly and terminally-ill prisoners that will bring greater efficiency in rehabilitation of prisoners as well as towards in conformity to the principle of restorative justice,” MAG continued.

“Hopefully, he does this before another one prisoner die in prison under his watch,” MAG said.

Several studies on prison and correctional reforms have proposed establishing a humanitarian medical policy for those who are serving life sentences, humanitarian ground must be defined for those who must be considered for pardon and parole, and for executive clemency, that includes those who are elderly and terminally ill.

MAG claimed that there are of course recidivist criminals but there are also examples of prisoners who have reformed themselves and several studies found that releasing aged and terminally ill prisoners poses little, if any, risk to public safety. The process should spell out principles of legality and humanity, and this in conformity with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Prisoners.

“The vision of rehabilitation of inmates should be protected and uphold, not undermined,” MAG said.-end-

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[Press Release] Medical doctors can help to stop torture – Medical Action Group

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This June 26, the Medical Action Group (MAG) and its members composed of medical doctors and health professionals are one with the world in commemoration of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

“Even though torture is a crime , torture persists as deep-rooted practice in the country. And majority of the perpetrators go unpunished and most victims are usually from marginalized sectors who lack resources to access lawyer and doctor they are entitled to,” said Edeliza P. Hernandez, Executive Director of MAG that treat torture victims.

26 June is the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. On this day in 1987, the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Punishment came into effect. The Philippines acceded to this Convention on June 18, 1986.

MAG said that effective medical documentation of torture can contribute in reducing impunity and obtaining redress. This in turn can be expected to help prevent torture in the future. Medical doctors can help stop torture by using the Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment commonly known as the Istanbul Protocol.

“Since medical doctors are often among the first persons to come into contact with a torture survivor after the incident. Our medical doctors play an essential role in preventing impunity by effective medical documentation of torture cases like the torture case filed last April 7 at the Regional Trial Court in Kidapawan by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region 12 against a police officer and his subordinates after it concluded that they mishandled two suspects in the October 2010 bus bombing in Matalam, North Cotabato,” MAG emphasized.

MAG urges the government to institutionalize the use of the Istanbul Protocol since it has been affirmed by the Supreme Court the value of the Protocol in proving claims of torture. ([G.R. No. 180906, The Secretary of National Defense v. Manalo, October 7, 2008] on the application of the writ of amparo)

The government’s obligation to provide redress for human rights violations like torture cases entails the duty to ensure full reparation and to provide rehabilitation for victims and their relatives.

“In this respect, through a combination of effective implementation of the Anti-Torture Act and the need for increased political will of our government officials are keys to prevent torture in the country,” MAG concluded.

Press release
June 26, 2011

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[Off the shelf] Karapatan sa kalusugan – babasahin mula sa Medical Action Group

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Susi sa pag-unlad ng lipunan ang pagtamasa sa Karapatan sa Kalusugan ng mamamayan. Ngunit, ang Karapatan sa Kalusugan ay hindi nangangahulugan ng karapatan upang maging malusog at sumasaklaw hindi lamang sa pagkakaroon ng napapanahon at angkop na serbisyong pangkalusugan.

Ang pagtamo ng pinakamataas na pamantayan ng kalusugan ay nangangailangan ng isang panlipunang kaayusan- mga institusyon, mga batas, at mapagpalakas na kapaligiran- na higit na makakatiyak sa pagtamasa ng karapatang ito.

Kasabay sa pagsusulong at pagtataguyod ng Medical Action Group (MAG) sa karapatang pantao at kalusugan, naniniwala ito na may malaking ambag ang mga ganitong uri ng babasahin para sa pagpapataas ng antas ng kaalaman ng mamamayan hinggil sa Karapatan sa Kalusugan.

Sa kasalukuyan, tumatayong Secretariat ang MAG para sa Cut the Cost, Cut the Pain Network o 3CPNet. Isa sa mga pangunahing gawain ng 3CPNet kasama ang Coalition for Health Advocacy and Transparency (CHAT) ay ang pagtataguyod ng pagkakaroon ng kakayahang makabili ng mga abot-kaya, ligtas at epektibong gamot ang mga mamamayan.

Bilang ambag sa pagpapataas ng antas ng kaalaman ng mamamayan sa Karapatan sa Kalusugan, minarapat ng MAG na isalin sa Filipino ang babasahin na Right to Health ng World Health Organization (WHO).

Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa UN Pubrights sa kanilang pahintulot na maisalin sa Filipino ang orihinal na babasahing pinaghalawan ng komiks na ito at mailathala ito sa ating bansa. At kay Atty. Michael Paul Reysio-Cruz sa kaniyang pagtulong sa paggawa ng ilustrasyon.

Maraming salamat.

Edeliza P. Hernandez, RN
Executive Director
Medical Action Group

Link to primer: http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/52427918/gtx2wik0yidkq0mzsiw

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[Featured Site of the Week] The Medical Action Group- www.magph.org

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Title: Medical Action Group (MAG)
Author: Medical Action Group
URL: http://www.magph.org/
Description: MAG envisions a society where fundamental human rights are upheld and protected at all times in accordance with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights..