ICHRP Holds 5th General Assembly in Toronto – First in North America
Statement
November 3, 2026
On September 27, more than 300 people from around the world gathered in Toronto for the 5th General Assembly (GA) of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP). Held back-to-back with the Kapit Bisig (“Linking Arms”) Conference, this 5th GA was the first ICHRP GA to be held in North America since the founding of ICHRP in 2013.
At the GA, keynote speaker Cristina “Tinay” Palabay, Secretary General of the Philippine human rights alliance KARAPATAN, spoke about worsening conditions for ordinary Filipinos under the U.S.-backed government of Marcos Jr. Palabay honored those killed while pursuing social justice in the Philippines, especially ICHRP US member Lyle Prijoles and the Negros 19. She urged ICHRP members and supporters to travel to the Philippines on learning tours and fact-finding visits to see conditions firsthand.
Members and leaders of ICHRP reported on the major gains the coalition has made in building the Philippine solidarity movement since 2023. In the past three years, ICHRP has grown to its largest ever membership with over 90 member organizations in 16 countries. Members are actively campaigning against US-led militarization and plunder of the Philippines, and are building various kinds of solidarity support for the people’s movement in the Philippines that is fighting for just and lasting peace in the country.
The GA also served as a venue for ICHRP members to firm up their principles and future plans as a coalition united around Philippine solidarity. Members updated the coalition’s governing rules, and expanded its leadership to a new 13-member Global Council from eight countries. The assembly adopted a plan for 2026–2029 with six priorities: stronger international campaigns, closer ties between Filipinos and supporters abroad, more visits to the Philippines, doubling membership, launching new national chapters, and raising more funds.
In her closing remarks, newly elected ICHRP Chairperson Rev. Sadie Stone thanked volunteers and called on delegates to keep organizing. Rev. Stone, who was denied entry into the Philippines this year, emphasized the need for emboldened solidarity as repression against solidarity heightens: “Here in Toronto, delegates from around the world linked arms against U.S. arms of oppression,” she said. “We won’t be silenced, we won’t be denied, we will continue to organize!”
Following our successful General Assembly, ICHRP is now keenly aware of US President Donald Trumps visit to the Philippines November 16-18 and his plans to sign the Pax Silica agreement. We are also aware of the Filipino people’s efforts to oppose the ongoing plunder of their country by the Trump regime and assert their national sovereignty. At this critical juncture, we reiterate our call to “March United Towards Broader and bolder Philippine Solidarity;” we invite individuals and organizations in the to join ICHRP, and we invite the international community to join us in the fight against Trump’s agenda for increasing US war and plunder in the Philippines.
