Pasok na bilang bagong miyembro ng ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) si Senador Leila de Lima dahil sa kanyang adbokasiya sa promosyon ng katarungan, human rights at demokrasya sa Pilipinas.
Si De Lima ang pinakahuling miyembro ng APHR sa kabila ng pagkakakulong ng halos dalawang taon.
Ang APHR ay regional group ng duly-elected legislators mula sa ruling at opposition parties sa ASEAN region.
Kasama nito ang mga prominenteng parliamentarians, kabilang sina APHR Chairperson Christopher Santiago ng Malaysian Parliament, Deputy Speaker Charles Chong ng Singapore, Rohingya rights activist Shwe Maung ng Myanmar, at Philippines’ lawmakers Reps. Teddy Baguilat, Tom Villarin at Walden Bello.
“As your newest member, it is an honor and a privilege to be fighting alongside principled leaders who never waver to uphold political freedom, promote democracy and protect human rights,” saad ni De Lima.
“Rest assured that despite the relentless political persecution against me by a tyrannical regime, I remain committed in fulfilling the mandate given to me by our people and in working with you to promote lasting peace and progress throughout the region,” dagdag pa ng senador.