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Human Rights and Protection of Lawyers | PHILIPPINES
Presentation of “Black Robes, Red Targets”, the report of the 2024 Caravana Filipina
The official presentation of “Black Robes, Red Targets”, the report of the joint fact-finding mission on extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations against legal professionals in the Philippines (2016–2023), took place on 4 June 2025 in the Nieuwspoort Press Center, in The Hague, Netherlands.
This report details the findings of the Caravana Filipina, a 12-member international delegation of legal experts from 10 different lawyers organisations who, from 4 to 14 June 2024, conducted an independent fact-finding mission across various regions of the Philippines. UIA-IROL, represented by Magda El-Haithem, participated in this joint initiative.
The international delegation’s investigation uncovered a deeply concerning pattern of extrajudicial killings, harassment, and systemic repression targeting legal professionals — acts closely linked to former President Duterte’s violent “war on drugs” and an longstanding culture of impunity.
During the 4 June event, members of the Caravana Filipina presented their findings, responded to questions, and offered reflections on the broader implications of these human rights violations for democracy, the rule of law, and the legal profession in the Philippines. The report not only offers a rigorous and focused analysis but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the persistent threats faced by the community of legal practitioners in the country. At the same time, it honors the remarkable resilience of lawyers who continue to fight for justice and democracy in the face of grave personal risks.
The report includes a series of recommendations addressed to a variety of stakeholders, including the Government of the Philippines and the international community.
A documentary film directed by Jacco Groen, from Netherlands, which features interview footage and highlights key findings of the mission, was released alongside the report.
The organisations involved in the Caravana Filipina, including UIA-IROL, continue to monitor developments in the Philippines and stand ready to undertake a follow-up mission, should that be required, to assess progress in the implementation of the recommendations.
