CHR urges BI to reconsider decision to deport Australian nun Fox

(Eagle News)–The Commission on Human Rights on Friday, July 20, asked the Bureau of Immigration to reconsider its decision to deport Australian nun Patricia Fox.

“The deportation order sets a dangerous precedent for foreign human rights workers and discourages them from doing important humanitarian work in our country,” the CHR said in a statement.

According to the CHR, the “principles of human rights must reign supreme when distinguishing between humanitarian work and perceiving something as political activity.”

“The right to join peaceful assemblies is a fundamental human right, which pertain to all persons regardless of context, race, nationality, etc.,” it said.

“We must take to heart that the protection of human rights of all persons in the Philippines, including foreign nationals, is the duty of the government,” it added.

Fox was ordered deported to Australia after she was found to have violated the terms of her missionary visa when she joined political activities.

She was also ordered blacklisted.

Fox’s camp said they would appeal the decision.