Post date: Dec 10, 2010 12:55:34 PM
Human rights activists in the Philippines and Cambodia hold mass demonstrations to mark Human Rights Day
HUMAN RIGHTS MARCH - Thousands take to the streets of Manila to call for an end to human rights violations.
The march marked the 62nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Students, farmers, teachers and activists urged the Aquino Administration to end enforced disappearances, extra judicial killings, and unlawful treatment of political detainees in the country.
Protesters said such human rights violations were on the rise under the current government.
HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE RAFAEL MARIANO SAYING:"They should stop the kidnappings and give justice to the victims of human rights violations. It is clear that there's no chance under the Aquino administration when it comes to human rights violations."
In Cambodia, 4,000 NGO demonstrators also took to the streets to mark Human Rights Day.
Foreign diplomats, UN staff, government officials, MPs and monks joined activists for the event.
The protesters marched from a former UN office to a public park where U.S. ambassador Carol Rodley addressed the crowds.
U.S. AMBASSADOR CAROL RODLEY SAYING:
"I encourage all of you men and women alike to become part of the international network of human rights defenders. To raise awareness and to work to end all forms of discrimination here and around the world."
This year's march in Cambodia - organised by a coalition of NGOs - aims to strengthen cooperation between institutions and people in order to promote respect for human rights.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.