UK allots P4M for doctors’ training on human rights

The British Embassy has allotted P4.19 million to train 150 doctors all over the country on the proper documentation of torture and other human rights cases to boost chances of prosecution in court.

The embassy recently signed an agreement with the non-government Medical Action Group (MAG) to implement the £59,131.72 project aimed at improving medical evidence related to rights violations.

In a statement, British ambassador Stephen Lillie said the effective prosecution of human rights violators is essential in upholding justice and human rights in the country.

“This project will have a direct impact on the ability to investigate and secure prosecutions by improving the quality of medical evidence in court cases. We will continue to support the Philippines in its efforts to implement international human rights standards,” assured the envoy.

The allotment was made through the British Human Rights and Democracy Programme.

The MAG will carry out the training to address the lack of medical documentation standards for torture cases, which often leads to courts rejecting evidence on grounds that it is not “scientific” enough.

Around 150 public health doctors will benefit from the training, with some of them coming from regions with high incidences of human rights violations such as Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Maguindanao, Surigao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Northern Samar, Masbate, Metro Manila, Abra and Misamis Occidental.