Philippines

Briefing Note

This is a Briefing Note on the importance of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) to the Philippines and set out several reasons why the government should proceed to sign and ratify this international instrument. It was repared by APT (Association for the Prevention of Torture, Switzerland), RCT (Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims, (Denmark) and UATC in 2006. PDF file (147KB) for download

Activities Promoting OPCAT

This is a list of activities carried out in the Philippines by United Against Torture Coalition (UATC) in promotion of the OPCAT and towards preventing torture in general.

National Mechanisms

Existing National Mechanisms in the Philippines to prevent Torture

The National Action Plan 2007

This is the National Action Plan for the OPCAT Campaign in the Philippines for 2007 which will be symbiotically implemented with other akin projects as part of Balay’s comprehensive and holistic implementation of torture prevention advocacy and psychosocial development response among torture survivors and their families.

OPCAT Is Needed

This is a power point presentation highlighting the relevance and need of OPCAT ratification and implementation to the Philippines.

Philippines is not doing enough!

This is a newspaper report about an event conducted by UATC, Philippines to mark 26 June 2007.

Freedom From Torture Week 2007

In observance of June 26, 2007 -- UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Balay, together with its partner organizations in the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC) conducted week-long activities. Details and photos of these activities are found here.

President signs OPCAT

Press Statement re President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's signing of the Instrument of Ratification for the OPCAT -- 22 April 2008.

Freedom From Torture Week 2008

Highlights of Activities conducted by Balay Rehabilitation Centre together with other HR groups in the Philippines in lieu of UN Day in Support of Torture Victims -- 2008.

Interview With A Prisoner

An interview with Hernani Galang, a young pre-trial detainee--detained for the past 3 years at a provincial jail in Digos City, southern Phillipines.