Thursday, June 2, 2011
Respect NPA hors de combat, peace group urges
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EJP echoed calls for the recognition of the international humanitarian law with respect to injured combatants or hors de combat, especially in the context of the upcoming peace talks between the GPH and the NPA’s negotiating arm, the NDFP.
EJP convenor Bishop Modesto Villasanta said, “The state must ensure not only the rights of the three NPA hors de combat to immediate medical attention but after they are treated, they should be released should there be no cases filed against them.” He cited Numbers 1 and 2, Article 4, under Part IV of the GPH-NDF Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
“The family of Vanessa delos Reyes, one of the wounded NPA members, have sought the assistance of the EJP and reported that elements under the 10th Infantry Division are forcing the visitors to sign a logbook. As a guerilla rendered an hors de combat (wounded and incapable of fighting back) Vanessa should now be afforded with the same right as the other patients. She should be in a condition conducive to her early recovery, and hence, she and all those attending to her medication should be free from any threat, intimidation, or whatsoever,” he said.
“With respect to the upcoming peace talks this month, the government must show its sincerity by affording these NPA members rights that are due them,” Bp. Villasanta added.
CARHRIHL provides that:1) Persons hors de combat and those who do not take a direct part in hostilities are entitled to respect for their lives, dignity, human rights, political convictions and their moral and physical integrity and shall be protected in all circumstances and treated humanely without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, faith, sex, birth, social standing or any other similar criteria. 2) The wounded and the sick shall be collected and cared for by the party to the armed conflict which has them in its custody or responsibility. ###
PRESS RELEASE
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
This post was written by: Exodus for Justice and Peace
Exodus for Justice and Peace is a clergy-led peace group. Follow EJP on Twitter
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