MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES — The esteemed Human Rights Caravan of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation is set to continue its Mindanao programming until 2025, with a strong focus on LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusive human rights policies and empowering local government units. Led by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation, Outright International funds this year’s program with the support of the Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Commission on Human Rights Philippines. In cooperation with Intersex Philippines, the caravan aims to bridge the gap between government officials and gender-marginalized communities even further.
In 2023, the caravan successfully led a series of human rights training workshops for government officials in 10 cities, municipalities, and regions in Mindanao. Notably, the first SOGIE based human rights training was held as part of the founding anniversary celebrations of Cotabato city, the capital city of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These efforts has also led to the landmark passage of the first SOGIE based Anti-Discrimination Ordinance in Panglima Sugala, Province of Tawi-tawi that was championed by Vice Mayor Dayang Sahali after the training program.
The workshop sessions aimed to empower government employees with knowledge on the concept of human rights, the Philippine bill of rights, gender rights, and the safe spaces act law. By engaging with local government units, the caravan seeks to address grassroots issues and empower officials to uphold inclusive human values despite the absence of urgent human rights and Anti-Discrimination bills in congress.
Ambassador Marielle Geraedts of the Netherlands Embassy to the Philippines expressed, ‘’In order to create an inclusive environment, it is crucial that LGBTQIA+ rights are not seen as separate from human rights, but rather as an integral part of the human rights framework.’’
Alvin Toni Gee Fernandez, Executive Director of Mujer LGBT Organisation, highlighted the need for education and human rights empowerment in Mindanao and said, ‘’’We want to address these pressing need for support systems and legal protection, that is why we are continuing this program.’’
Intersex Philippines Chairperson Jeff Cagandahan has also shared his excitement because this will be the first engagement of Intersex Philippines in Mindanao, stressing the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the equality movement in the southern regions. The caravan will conduct the training and provide guidance from experts in human rights advocacy, gender equality, and project development, and with the strong and long standing partnership with the Philippine commission on human rights, Mujer LGBT+ Organisation is confident of the success of the workshops this year until 2025. The program also includes lobbying for the passage of anti-discrimination ordinances and GAD Amendments, as well as providing support for local LGBTQIA+ organizations to advocate within their communities. By promoting gender diversity in human rights policies, the caravan aims to create a more inclusive and informed society where everyone can access justice and social services.
Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, the Human Rights Caravan strives to empower local government units and gender-marginalized communities to work together towards a safe, free, and equal society in Mindanao. By addressing personal challenges, unlearning biases, and relearning inclusive values, participants can play a significant role in promoting peace-building and transitional justice initiatives.
For more information on the Human Rights Caravan and their Mindanao Programming, visit the Facebook page of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation.
