Join us for an informative Lunch and Learn featuring representatives from Canada-Philippines Solidarity for Human Rights (CPSHR). Learn about their important work advocating for human rights and labor justice in the Philippines.

FEATURED PRESENTATION

Our guests will share insights about CPSHR's current campaign advocating for the release of Maojo Maga, a Filipino labor organizer imprisoned since 2018. Maga, who organized for Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Labor Movement), had his initial conviction overturned but still faces multiple charges that many human rights organizations consider politically motivated.

ABOUT CPSHR

CPSHR works in partnership with several established organizations including:

• International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) Vancouver

• St. Augustine's Church

• Vancouver District Labour Council

Their representatives bring experience from both advocacy and faith-based communities, including active involvement with the United Church of Canada and established relationships with labor councils and religious institutions.

LUNCH DETAILS

• Reroot Curry and white rice will be provided

• If you don't eat white rice, please bring an alternative (such as brown rice)

Come learn about this important human rights campaign and discover how you can support international advocacy efforts to build pressure for justice.

Philippines Solidarity Resources

• Climate Justice and Canadian Mining

  Resolution on Canadian Mining in the Philippines

  This important resolution addresses the devastating impact of Canadian mining projects on people, water, and land in the Philippines. Led by multiple United Churches including Beaconsfield (Québec) through their Beaconsfield Initiative, as well as United for Mining Justice, this document represents a network of United Church members from across Canada taking action on this critical issue.

  The resolution offers a climate justice perspective on Canada's international resource extraction activities and provides concrete ways for congregations to engage with this issue.

  This is a Resolution regarding Canadian mining in the Philippines. It was led by multiple United Churches including Beaconsfield (in Québec) through their Beaconsfield Initiative, as well as United for Mining Justice, a network of members from United Churches all across the country!

• Understanding the Connections Between Palestine and the Philippines

  This report from a Mennonite delegate documents their work with Indigenous and Moro peoples in the Philippines who demonstrate deep solidarity with Palestinians. The report provides a meaningful introduction to understanding the Philippines through the lens of shared struggles and international solidarity movements.

  Note: This report may contain some challenging content regarding human rights situations. It offers a thoughtful entry point for congregations interested in understanding global solidarity movements.

• Canada's Role in Human Rights Issues

  ICHRP Statement on the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA)

  This statement from the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) calls for Canada to halt and transparently review its Status of Visiting Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines. The document highlights Canada's complicity in human rights violations, including connections to:

  • Unjust arrests and detention

  • Climate crisis impacts

  • Military presence and warmongering in the region

  This resource helps congregations understand Canada's direct involvement in Philippines issues and opportunities for advocacy.

• Take Action: Free Political Prisoners

  This open letter advocates for the release of union organizer and political prisoner Marklen Maojo Maga. Congregation members are welcome to sign this letter as an act of solidarity.

  How to Participate:

  • Read the attached PDF letter

  • Sign the online form included in the PDF

  • Share the letter with others who might be interested in supporting this cause

  Direct link to the online form: click here

• Upcoming Opportunity: Interfaith Conference in Rome

  Global Interfaith Conference on Human Rights in the Philippines

  For those interested in deeper involvement, an Interfaith Conference will be held in Rome, Italy at the end of June 2025. This global gathering is organized by:

  • International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP)

  • International Interfaith Network of ICHRP

  • National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)

  • EcuVoice

  The conference aims to strengthen and expand solidarity for the Filipino people among faith communities worldwide.

  Resources:

  • Recording of the February information webinar

  • More details will be available by the end of this month

  This represents an opportunity for congregation members who wish to become more deeply involved in international solidarity work.

How These Resources Connect

These materials offer a pathway for learning and engagement:

1. Start with understanding the connections between Palestine and Philippines struggles

2. Learn about Canada's role in resource extraction and military agreements

3. Take specific action by signing the open letter for Marklen Maojo Maga

4. Consider deeper involvement through the upcoming interfaith conference