“A protector of human rights and a defender of peace and liberal values” – LI remembers former HRC member Chito Gascon

“A protector of human rights and a defender of peace and liberal values” – LI remembers former HRC member Chito Gascon

11/10/2021

The liberal family mourns the passing of José Luis Martín “Chito” Gascón, former Philippines Human Rights Commissioner, Presidential Secretary, and LI Human Rights Committee (HRC) member; a lawyer and activist with a colossal track record of drafting landmark legislation, including the Philippines constitution, and engineering peace negotiations.

Remembering Chito’s legacy, LI HRC Chair Astrid Thors said “he was a courageous protector of human rights and a defender of peace and liberal values. He never backed down under President Duterte’s threats and was determined to investigate and denounce the bloodshed he caused.

“Liberals are now reflecting on how we can continue to support human rights activists in the Philippines and those fighting for democracy everywhere.”

LI continues to challenge oppression in the Philippines, denouncing Duterte’s draconian anti-terror bill and advocating for imprisoned Senator Leila de Lima at the highest levels of international dialogue.

LI most recently celebrated the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Filipino activist and journalist Maria Ressa. Ms Ressa has been an instrumental member of LI’s campaign on digitalisation and human rights.

LI Bureau condemns Ortega’s bid to end democratic elections in Nicaragua

24/07/2026

Liberal International bureau strongly condemns President Daniel Ortega's declaration that there will be "no more elections" for Nicaragua's democratic opposition and the legislative measures that would effectively abolish meaningful democratic elections in the country. Together, these actions make clear the Ortega-Murillo regime's intention to extinguish any remaining prospect of a peaceful democratic transition and entrench one-party authoritarian rule, moving Nicaragua closer to the model of a single-party state such as Cuba.

Nicaragua's Democratic Crisis

LI Human Rights Committee calls for dialogue amid crackdown on India’s youth protest

20/07/2026

Liberal International's Human Rights Committee is following with concern the ongoing developments in New Delhi, where members and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), India's youth-led anti-incumbency movement, have organised a march to Parliament calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET examination paper leak, which affected more than two million students, and broader concerns over accountability in the education system.

India's Youth Protests

LI HRC Statement on Discrimination, and the Conduct of Senator Celeste Amarilla

07/07/2026

Liberal International Human Rights Committee (LI HRC) is deeply shocked by the racist comments made by Senator Celeste Amarilla against a French footballer Kylian Mbappé, as well as by her threat to pursue legal action against him

Human Rights Committee