On July 16, 2024, a crucial event titled the State of Human Rights Address (SOHRA) was held to present the real human rights situation of vulnerable groups in the Philippines. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepared for his State of the Nation Address (SONA), this event offered a critical counter-narrative to the official address.


The event took place from 2 PM to 5 PM in Quezon City and was also live-streamed on the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) Facebook page. With the theme “Unahin ang Karapatan, Katarungan, at Kagalingan ng Mamamayan! Hindi Cha-cha! Hindi Gera! Hindi Trapo at Dinastiya!” (Prioritize the rights, justice, and welfare of the people! No to Charter Change! No to war! No to traditional politicians and dynasties!), the event aimed to reach a broad audience with its collective statement.


The program began with registration from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, followed by the National Anthem and a prayer. Rommel Yamzon, the Secretary-General of PAHRA, delivered the welcome remarks. After a brief introduction and acknowledgment by the moderator, various organizations read statements about their sector’s situation. These included:


Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR)

Alyansa ng Mangagawa sa Agrikultura (AMA)

Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod (KPML)

Partido Manggagawa (PM)

Center for Migrants Advocacy (CMA)

Bukluran ng Mangagawang Pilipino (BMP)

LILAK (Purple Action for Indigenous Women's Rights)

Alliance of Tri-People for the Advancement of Human Rights (ALTAHR)

Medical Action Group (MAG)

SANLAKAS

GITIB

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)



Civil and Political Rights (CPR)


Philippine Coalition for International Criminal Court (PCICC)

Amnesty International Philippines (AIPH)

Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC)

Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP)

Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND)

BALAOD Mindanao

Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Karapatang Pantao (AMKP)


After the statements, an open forum was held, moderated by the event’s host. Dr. Nymia Simbulan, Chairperson of PAHRA and Executive Director of PhilRights, provided a synthesis of the discussions. The event concluded with a call to action and photo opportunities, wrapping up with closing remarks by the moderator.

The organizers encouraged everyone to stand together for justice and human rights, using hashtags #SOHRA2024, #HumanRights, and #JusticeForAll to amplify the message. The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing human rights and justice in the Philippines.