International Human Rights Academy
(August 13 - 28, 2004)
by Atty. Maria Regina L. Castillo
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Atty. Maria Regina L. Castillo |
When I first learned that I was chosen to participate in the
International Human Rights Academy, as one of the Friedrich Naumann
Foundation (FNF) participants, I knew then that the prospect of
a great intellectual enrichment was forthcoming. After attending
the seminar, I came home with more than a mental advancement,
but a life perspective far more mature than I held before I left
the Philippines.
The activity conducted by FNFD organizers, before the commencement
of the International Human Rights Academy, was specifically fruitful.
Being involved with a government office with a principal belonging
to a Liberal Party, I somehow, thought I have an edge on the discussion
on what liberalism was all about. The lecture given by Mr. Stefan
Melnik on “Liberalism and Human Rights”, short as it was, significantly
introduced me to the real ideology of liberalism. I was made aware,
for the first time, of the important aspects of value systems
which Liberalism embraced, to wit: (i) promotion of economic and
political freedom through an informed society; (ii) importance
of the rule of law as a means to enforce and protect one’s rights;
(iii) strengthening and enforcement of property rights; (iv) emphasis
on the exercise of individual responsibility as a consequence
of property rights.
The understanding of Liberalism however, could have been more
in depth if the lecture was conducted more lengthily. A discussion
on various implementation mechanisms to bring about the desired
results, specifically for Third World Countries, could have been
very valuable.
Liberalism as presented poses as a great alternative in saving
every government going downhill. However, just like any theory,
Liberalism must first be put into practice before a light in a
day can be seen. While listening to the lecture, I could not help
but wonder if the Liberal Party in the Philippines was formed
with the same principles as Liberalism were originally defined.
With LP’s membership growing in number and popularity, it can
be an ideal catalyst which can bring about the needed change by
living up and promoting the idealistic values of liberalism within
their chosen field. I sincerely think a seminar on liberalism
to be given to members of the Liberal Party in the Philippines
can be very beneficial to bring this hope into fulfillment.
My academic enrichment was made more possible with my attendance
to the International Human Rights Academy given by the University
of Utrecht. It more than familiarized us with the existing international
and regional instruments on human rights. I have never thought
that these international instruments on human rights can be a
rich source of legislation.
The lectures on the substantial and procedural aspects of human
rights, including a comparison of the different human rights situations
in various Regions, were quite comprehensive. However, one criticism
of the program was the lack of lecture on human rights situation
in Asia, where a number of the participants belong.
Further, the exchanges of views from lecturers and participants
from all over the world brought about a realization of the universality
of human rights. I have never thought that the problem of torture
is shared by countries like Argentina, South Africa, India and
the Philippines, among others. I did not know that the pitiable
condition of prison cells is likewise a problem being unraveled
in other parts of the world, apart from the Philippines. I never
had the idea that even richer countries have problem in police
atrocities. And the list goes on. One of the highlights of the
seminar is the development of a sense of hope for the Philippines
that it can still rise above its mess just like any First World
Countries and eventually emerges as its rank. One way of achieving
this is by recognition by the government of the unproductive effects
of human rights violations vis-à-vis the realization of
people’s potential in contributing to the development of the country.
It should however, put its priority to guarantee human rights
of its constituents.
Further, the seminar equally helped my inter-human relation skills
through interactions with different people, literally from different
walks of life. I now subscribe to the saying that our most effective
teacher, aside from books, is travel. I learned that there is
a great deal to know about life beyond the usual confines of our
country. Words are not enough to express how grateful I was for
this opportunity. It made me a better person, hopefully for the
betterment of this country.
