Amnesty International Philippines, as part of its larger body of work on the Freedom of Assembly, launches the Protest Observation Program focused on human rights observation.
THIS WORK AIMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO PROTECTING AND RESPECTING RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS IN THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION AND IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW. IT IS ALSO GEARED TOWARDS SUPPORTING ACTIVISTS, STUDENTS, AND OTHER SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, SUSTAINING AMNESTY’S RESEARCH WORK AROUND CIVIC SPACE, AND STRENGTHENING FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY THROUGH POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS.
WHAT IS HUMAN RIGHTS PROTEST OBSERVATION?
Two main models of protest observation have been developed and practiced globally:
- The Legal Observer model, whereby observers provide legal advice and support to protesters during and after a protest
- The Human Rights model, where observers take a longer-term approach to document how far international standards are protected and facilitated, and use their findings to inform advocacy and policy work.
Amnesty International Philippines will be practicing the Human Rights Model.
- Our Human Rights Observers will aim to be independent in the conduct of our work.
- The focus of our observations is on the wider context of the right to peaceful assembly and we will therefore be observing a diverse range of assemblies.
- Our Observer Program will also involve reviewing relevant legislation, observing how it is implemented in practice, and then engaging in dialogue and advocacy with lawmakers, law enforcement bodies and others to improve both law and practice.
While the actions of the police will be a key focus, our Human Rights Observers will also watch interactions within and between police, demonstrators, counter-demonstrators and others. They will also take a broader view of activities that precede an assembly, including administrative processes where applicable.
Deploying observers to document and record first-hand what takes place at protests and assemblies can be an important tool to achieve human rights change.
Protest observation can both identify examples of good practice and highlight the ways in which state authorities improve policing behavior while ensuring accountability for violations when they occur. The visible presence of protest observers can also demonstrate solidarity with individuals and groups most at risk. The main long-term focus of Amnesty Philippines’ Human Rights Protest Observation Program is on influencing policy and practice related to the right to peaceful assembly.
WHAT PROTESTS ARE AMNESTY OBSERVING?
To encompass the broad scope of the right to peaceful assembly, Amnesty will be observing protests of diverse nature, organized by activists, communities, grassroots movements, and civil society organizations among others. Specific protests will be identified through our own initiated research, and invitations.
WHO ARE OBSERVING THE PROTESTS FOR AMNESTY?
Our Human Rights Observers are individuals trained under Amnesty’s Protest Observation Training. They will be present at protests wearing a bright yellow vest labeled “Human Rights Observer” and will have official identification.
Kindly reach out to us for more information.
