HiCHRP's Sanctuary Program

In response to the growing and devastating human rights crisis in the Philippines, the Hawaii
Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (HICHRP) has initiated a Sanctuary Program
for those human rights defenders, labor rights defenders, journalists, faith leaders, human
rights lawyers, doctors, indigenous land protectors and other activists who have been
targeted (red-tagged) for arrest, torture and extrajudicial killing.

Not all who are targeted can flee. But those with a valid visa, are at great risk and choose to
leave need our support at they seek safety. After helping four human right defenders escape,
HICHRP, recognizing that the need is great and growing, has formalized a Sanctuary Program.
Building upon a long faith tradition of providing a safe haven for those fleeing injustice and
violence, HICHRP will provide travel assistance funds, legal assistance, temporary housing,
counseling, economic and other assistance that may be needed. In order to pluck them out of
imminent danger such a program helps by taking away the feeling of more uncertainties
while extricating from a distressing situation.

HICHRP is also working to expose and combat the growing human rights crisis utilizing a
number of strategies including pressing the United States Congress to pass the Philippine
Human Rights Act: www.humanrightsph.org.