Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen has warned lawyers and human rights groups about the greatest threats to human rights at present.
During his lecture at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ (IBP) Human Rights Symposium and Award Ceremony, Leonen emphasized that climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and the current state of democracy pose significant threats to human rights.
Reflecting on these challenges, he highlighted the importance of social and participative justice, as well as empathy, as responses to these dangers.
However, Leonen cautioned that in applying social and participative justice in the workplace, lawyers must also recognize that “we live in an age where those who hold power within the status quo can do what they want without fear of consequences.”
The Senior Associate Justice also emphasized the crucial role of empathy in addressing human rights threats. Nevertheless, he urged caution in choosing whom to sympathize with, advising against passivity or neutrality when injustices occur.
He stressed that upholding justice should not be the sole responsibility of the High Court and the Judiciary. “Social justice can only be realized if our people are empowered,” he stated.
The event was attended by retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, along with officials and representatives from the Commission on Human Rights, the IBP, law schools, and various groups.
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