MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday opened a freedom park in its central office in Quezon City, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Named after human rights champion and late senator Jose Diokno, the Liwasang Diokno features a 30-tier fountain representing the 30 articles of the UDHR.
“It is to commemorate the legacy of Pepe Diokno who, after being arrested and tortured, rather than keeping silent sought to defend the rights of others during the dark days of martial law,” CHR chairman Chito Gascon said.
“We want to introduce him to a new generation of human rights activists,” Gascon added.
The park also features a statue of Diokno, which was previously unveiled by the CHR.
The park and the statue were funded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.