APWLD proudly stands in solidarity with RMP-NMR, Ms. Sharon Liguyon, Kalumbay Regional Lumad Organisation, and indigenous peoples and supporters of Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

It is our honour to join you in spirit and solidarity in your march and rally in front of Provincial Capitol today to demand justice for slain indigenous leader Jimmy Liguyon.

We are shocked and deeply disappointed that the arrest of the perpetrator, Alde Salusad, has still not been carried out, and that his paramilitary unit continues to threaten and terrorise communities. We strongly support your demand that the government fast-track the arrest.

APWLD condemns the violence and oppression against indigenous peoples and human rights defenders, and urges all levels of government to uphold the rights of HRDs and follow its commitments as a signatory to international human rights instruments.

We are inspired by the tremendous courage of IDP community leaders and honour the struggles of the indigenous peoples in the region. We stand by the rights of indigenous peoples to their ancestral domains and their right to self-determination.

This is an especially important time to recognise the long history of struggle and resistance of indigenous women and indigenous peoples, with world attention on the global summit for sustainable development. Mining, logging, and other development projects, along with militarisation, are being used to control indigenous peoples and keep profits for the few.

On behalf of our 180 member organisations and activists from across 25 nations in Asia Pacific, APWLD women stand with you today to challenge the injustice of Jimmy Liguyon’s murder and human rights violations against other human rights defenders.

United, we demand a say in our local communities and our national democracies. Together we fight with you for self determination, justice and peace.

In solidarity,

Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development