The families of the disappeared together with other human rights defenders (HRDs) capped the International Week of the Disappeared flying kites at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday.

In a statement, Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman, Honorary Chairperson of the Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND), said that, “The soaring kites signify sustaining the struggle for the causes fought for by the disappeared.”

“Vilification, intimidation, reprisal, and false labeling of HRDs will not cow them to submission,” he added.

FIND lamented the defeat of HRD senatorial candidates in the last election, but vowed to continue engaging them in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms. The families committed to remain steadfast in fighting for the truth and justice for their disappeared kin.

“They might have been forced out of sight, but they will never be forced out of mind; they inspire us in every step we take toward ending impunity,” said Celia L. Sevilla, niece of disappeared labor and human rights lawyer Hermon C. Lagman.

The kite-flyers called on government to:

• Fully and strictly implement the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law;

• Accede to the International Convention Against Enforced Disappearance; and

• Pass the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill

In solidarity, kites bearing logos of member organizations of the local Coalition against Enforced Disappearance (CAED) and the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), both of which FIND is a founding member, were also flown.