We likewise call on lawyers’ organizations, human rights institutions, and all freedom-loving peoples to stand with the people of Venezuela and mobilize public pressure against this unlawful assault. The task before us is to resist imperial violence and the rule of force—firmly, collectively, and with an unambiguous commitment to the rule of law and the right of all peoples to determine their own future.
People’s lawyers will continue to stand together against every form of attack, including red-tagging. Experience should have taught Parlade and others who traffic in this practice that intimidation does not deter us from our work. It only sharpens our resolve to confront the weaponization of law, as seen in the prosecution of the Talaingod 13, and to defend those whose rights are trampled in the name of security.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) has released a policy paper calling on Congress to enact a unified, rights-based Body-Worn Camera Transparency and Accountability Act. At present, the use of body-worn cameras in the Philippines is governed by a...
The persistence of repression has only made clearer why collective struggle is necessary—and why people’s lawyers will continue to stand with those who demand justice, dignity, and freedom.
The NUPL is hosting two major international events this year. Mark your calendars!
Strategies to Enhance Advocacy Relating to the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Philippines The NUPL is partnering with the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute in organizing a series of activities to support human rights defenders, including lawyers at risk, strategize, coordinate and undertake advocacy at national and international levels in relation to the independence of the legal profession and for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Philippines — where fair trial rights are being systemically violated– was chosen as the focus country for this year’s International Fair Trial Day (IFTD) Conference. A series of advocacy initiatives will be held to draw attention to the human rights situation in the country. The decision to establish an IFTD in 2021 by more than 100 legal associations all over the world was accompanied by the establishment of the Ebru Timtik Award. Ebru Timtik was a lawyer from Turkey who lost her life as a result of a 238-day hunger strike she undertook to protest against the systemic violations of fair trial rights which people in Turkey are facing. Every year, on the occasion of the IFTD, the Ebru Timtik Award is made by an independent jury to an individual or individuals and/or an organisation who have or which has made a significant contribution to the defense and promotion of the right to a fair trial in the focus country.
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) has been documenting and monitoring prima facie profession or work-related attacks and threats against lawyers and judges since its establishment in September of 2007.
The attacks and threats against lawyers continued in the first two years of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The NUPL recorded a total of three (3) incidents of killings and 39 other forms of attacks beginning July 1, 2022 until December 31, 2023. The highest number of documented incidents involves the vilification and red-tagging of human rights lawyers by current and former state officials.
Atty. Ma. Saniata Liwliwa Alzate
Killed in September 2023
Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao
Vice-Chairperson
Atty. Juan Macababbad
killed in September 2021
NUPL-Negros Secretary General
Atty. Benjamin Ramos
killed in November 2018