The German Embassy in Manila has urged Philippine authorities to act on the still-unresolved case of human rights defender Zara Alvarez, as the country marked the fifth anniversary of her killing on August 17.
In a statement, the embassy stressed the need for a thorough and impartial investigation, saying accountability remains elusive five years after Alvarez was gunned down in Bacolod City.
“Five years on, justice for her and her family remains elusive. Accountability for this killing and all other killings of human rights defenders are critical tests for the rule of law,” the embassy said. It added that ending impunity is essential as it erodes the foundations of democracy.
The embassy also reaffirmed Germany’s position that a strong civil society, where defenders can operate without fear of reprisal or red-tagging, is vital for any thriving democracy.
Alvarez, a paralegal for Karapatan and an advocacy officer for a community health program, was shot six times on August 17, 2020. She was the 13th Karapatan worker killed under the Duterte administration.
