COTABATO CITY—In line with the celebration of National human rights consciousness week, the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) honored the 73rd International Human Rights Day observance on Dec. 9, 2021 in this city.
With the theme “Advancing Human Rights in the Bangsamoro”, BHRC Chairperson Atty. Abdul Rashid P. Kalim said the National Human Rights Consciousness Week is commemorated every Dec. 4 to 10, pursuant to RA 9201—A universal declaration of HR— where it is said that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
“Thus, BHRC mandate does not only pertain within the regional territory but we can extend services to the Bangsamoro community outside its core territory,” Atty. Kalim added.
Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, in his written message, said, “the Bangsamoro is not alien to the concept of human rights. Unfortunately, our people have been subjected to human rights violations.”
“It is, therefore, mandatory for all of us to make sure that human rights in the BARMM are not only preserved and protected but celebrated […] so that, the next generations of Bangsamoro will no longer suffer the pain that we had to go through,” Ebrahim stressed.
Meanwhile, Mufti Abuhuraira A. Udasan spoke about human rights from an Islamic point of view.
“The purpose of human rights in Islam, based on Shari’ah [law], is the right to live, the right to preserve your life. It is a trust from Allah even the forbidden food becomes lawful when your life is at risk,” Mufti Udasan said, quoting some verses from the Qur’ an and the Sunnah of the Prophet S.A.W. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
