On June 26, The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHR), and the United Against Torture Coalition (UATC)-Philippines joined hands with representatives of the Philippine government, Civil Society Organizations and torture survivors and their families, to observe the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture through ‘Basta! Run Against Torture (BRAT) XIV’ with the theme “Freedom from Torture Is Our Right.”
Held in Quezon City, this significant event aims to contribute to the global campaign against torture worldwide and effective implementation of the Anti-Torture Law.
The inaugural BRAT was organized on 25 June 2002, marking the commencement of the national campaign for freedom from torture by UATC-Philippines in May 2002. Since then, the BRAT has played a pivotal role in achieving milestones in torture prevention in the country. Notably, it led to the passage of the Anti-Torture Law (Republic Act No. 9745) in November 2009 and the Philippines’ ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) in April 2012.
TFDP, UATC-Philippines, and CHR are proud to hold this annual event with the support of the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).
“On this International Day in Support of the Victims of Torture, all stakeholders and survivors of torture around the world take the opportunity to speak out against the use of torture, and to remember and support torture survivors and their families. The Basta Run Against Torture (BRAT) is a yearly activity that provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations, stakeholders, and key government agencies to amplify that freedom from torture is our right and campaign for the full implementation of the Anti-Torture Law,” said Jerbert M. Briola, Project Coordinator, TFDP-APT Safe in Custody Project.
In a display of cooperation and solidarity, over four hundred (400) runners joined today, representing the CHR, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Quezon City local government unit and other concerned government agencies.
The BRAT aims to raise public awareness about the Anti-Torture Law and establishment of effective monitoring mechanism such as the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) aimed at preventing torture in all places of detention. This public event serves to acknowledge the efforts and actions of all stakeholders involved in providing support to victims of torture and working to eradicate acts of torture from Philippine society.
