On Estrada's Approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

Prof. Jose Ma. Sison
National Democratic Front of the Philippines
Chief Political Consultant
August 11, 1998

I am deeply pleased with President Joseph Estrada's approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and with his apparent respect for the continuity of the other agreements previously made by the GRP and the NDFP at the level of either the principals or the negotiating panels.

I also thank him for inviting me to go to the Philippines. Because of his approval of the aforesaid comprehensive agreement, there is a good basis for me to attend a possible joint GRP- NDFP celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1998.

In the meantime, the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law must immediately start in earnest.

Among the provisions for immediate implementation are the release of political prisoners, the indemnification of the victims of human rights violations under the Marcos regime, the formation of the joint monitoring committee, the repeal of repressive laws, decrees and other executive acts and the ending of GRP laws, policies and practices that cause such massive human rights violations as the forcible evacuation and bombardments of entire communities.

The mutual approval of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by the principals of both the GRP and the NDFP clears the way for the beginning of the negotiations on social and economic reforms within the first week of September.

I am happy to know that the chairpersons of the NDFP and the GRP negotiating panels are currently engaged in fruitful conversations to prepare for the resumption of formal talks in the Netherlands at the level of the negotiating panels and the reciprocal working committees on social and economic reforms.

I take this opportunity to thank all organizations and individuals who have urged and encouraged the GRP to approve the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. ###

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