The government of the Philippines has initated a process of criminalization, based on the accusation of “terrorism,” against the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, among other human rights defender organizations and individuals.

We of IM-Defensoras consider this an extremely serious issue. It is not only an attack on the Rapporteur herself, but also heightens the risk and defenselessness of indigenous peoples in all parts of the world for whom the work of Victoria Tauli-Corpuz is critical in gaining visibility and in denouncing rights violations.

In view of this situation, we express our solidarity with the Rapporteur and demand that the Philippines government immediately suspend any action whatsoever that criminalizes her and other human rights organizations and persons in the country. We also call on the international community to stay vigilant, united and uncompromising in response to this intolerable attack on human rights.