Human Rights and Paralegal Training

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP), a mission partner of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) (formerly the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, AMRSP), hold the Luzon-run of the Sr. Mariani Dimaranan, SFIC Human Rights Institute (SMDSHRI). The SMDSHRI is a fitting tribute to Sr. Mariani Dimaranan, SFIC, who, during those dark years of martial law, was a beacon of light and daringly responded to the signs of the times, In 1974, Sister Mariani willingly took on the task of leading the TFDP, which the CMSP established to assist political detainees, torture victims, and their families. For many years of her life, she has
proven, both by word and action, her deep Christian love and commitment to the poor and the victims of human rights violations and all forms of injustice. Likewise, the SMDSHRI seeks to mainstream citizen participation and good governance in our society and develop an awareness of human rights as standards for governance and development.
On July 5-7, 2023, the JPIC team of the CMT Delegation of San Lorenzo Ruiz, headed by Sr. Sharon S. Villafranca, CMT, with its members Bibiana L. Reyes and Sr. Furaha Chantal Semiryango, CMT, together with 39 participants, which included laypeople, priests, brothers, and sisters from different Institutes and congregations, attended the SMDSHRI Basic Human Rights Education workshop and Paralegal Training. The SMDSHRI Basic Human Rights Education workshop is designed to train priests, consecrated persons, and lay partners in Human Rights work (i.e., basic HR orientation, practical and hands-on application of laws in real-life situations, advocacy work in JPIC, pastoral and school ministry, among others).
The JPIC team was very grateful for the opportunity to attend the Workshop. The challenge now is to put into action what we learned with one mind: that the best way to combat common problems related to human Rights violations is to work together. To have that commitment to the promotion, protection, restoration, and realization of human rights.