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Volume 1 Issue 1

Cover Story:
2001 MORO HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT:
More of the Same
by Erwin Francis Gaerlan

The Many Facets of Conflict Resolution
by Sophia Dimalog

The MORO HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER: A Reflection
by Erwin M. Gaerlan

The Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights

A Human Rights Framework For the Moro Struggle
by Cris M.Gaerlan, Jr.

Signs of Peace
by Sahara (Samira Gutoc)

Musings
by Faith Joan C. Mesa

News Bits
IMAN binuo ng mga estudyante
Moro Civilians Abducted by Military
- Jamal Matanog

Poetry Economics of War

The struggle for human rights in the Philippines was the main, if not the only, issue that challenged the Marcos dictatorship in the open arena during the years under the Martial Law. It was the movement for human rights that carried the torch of hope during the dark years of martial law. The issue of gross human rights violations became the only singular theme and motive that provided the engine for the anti-Marcos dictatorship struggle. Political issues revolved around the periphery of main human rights issues like the right to life, right to strike, right to assembly, etc.

After the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, the Philippine human rights movement then was institutionalized in the formation of the Philippine Human Rights Council (PHRC) in 1986. A year after, the PHRC was transformed as the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocate (PAHRA), the main umbrella organization of all human rights advocate organizations and individuals. Since then PAHRA became the main institution of the human rights movement of the Philippines.

To give a complete picture of the human rights situation of the country for a more comprehensive advocacy, PAHRA set up a Moro desk. Manned by young Moro human rights activists, the Moro desk was instrumental in monitoring and leading advocacy work for the Moro people.

In the light of continuing human rights violations in the Moroland, the need for setting up a distinct human rights center for the Moro people came into being. This need is based on the fact that the Moro people have long been suffering from gross human rights violations. The relentless assertion of the Moro people for self-determination is confronted with reprisals from the government that led to violations of human rights. Moreso, the cultural nuances and the distinct character of the Moro human rights struggle provides concrete basis for the creation of a distinct human rights center that the Moro people can identify themselves with.

The need for the establishment of a center that will pioneer human work among the Moro people is not only an option but an imperative. Thru the PAHRA Moro desk, young Moro human rights activists and supportive individuals formed the Moro Human Rights Center in 1987.

Since then, the Moro Human Rights Center was recognized not only among human rights organizations and activists but also by the government and international organizations. Its track record speaks well of its credibility and respectability earned from a persevering work in the human rights arena. The Moro Human Rights Center became a pioneering human rights non-government organization among the Moro people that banners the Moro human rights movement and struggle of the Moro people for self-determination.

Next: Development and Highlights of MHRC’s work