Skip to main content

CARHRIHL Anniversary Commemorated

photo

Quezon City - Sulong CARHRIHL, in partnership with Manindigan sa Peacetalks sponsored a Roundtable Discussion about the Joint Monitoring Committee and its Imperative to the Peace Process last March 16, 2011 in celebration of the 13th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law between the GPH and the NDF.

The program started with an Opening Remark given by Sr. Arnold Maria Noel, SSps, Co –Chairperson of Sulong CARHRIHL and Spokesperson of Manindigan sa Peace Talks. Sr. Arnold also provided the rationale of the activity by highlighting the important concerns of the RTD which are 1.) To hear from independent observers their report and views in the peace process and 2.) To discuss the imperative of the Joint Monitoring Committee in the ongoing peace process as mechanism for CARHRIHL implementation.

The main speakers for the discussion were Professor Jennifer Santiago – Oreta, an independent observer for the GPH and Atty. Jose Luis Gascon, Chairperson for the GPH Monitoring Committee. Prof. Santiago – Oreta gave an overview of the results of the peace talks in her perspective as an independent observer. She talked about what her role as an independent observer is and even shared personal views and assessment of the peace talks that took place in Oslo, Norway. In her discussion, she identified the challenges that independent observers encounter in this process.

Atty. Gascon, on the other hand, talked about the prospect for the revival and reactivation of the JMC. The JMC or Joint Monitoring Committee is a mechanism established under the CARHRIHL. It consists of three representatives from the GPH and the NDF and is tasked to monitor CARHRIHL implementation and adherence of the two parties. Atty Gascon, much like Prof. Santiago – Oreta gave personal views regarding the peace talks in Norway. He also gave a substantial discussion on CARHRIHL and the JMC through providing the altering views of the two parties. Lastly, Atty. Gascon challenged the civil society to take part in the JMC processes. Plenary discussion followed.