STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF BOB BERNSTEIN

It is with deep sadness that I heard the news about the passing of Mr. Bob Bernstein, a staunch human rights defender and founder of Human Rights Watch (HRW). My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Bernstein's death is a great loss not just to the HRW family, but also to the global human rights community. Even as the world mourns the death of an icon, I am certain that Bob Bernstein's vision and legacy for the causes of freedom, democracy and justice will continue to live on. He will continue to inspire millions of us in protecting victims of abuses and defending dissidents against tyrants. Because no matter what our religious beliefs may be, no matter what professions we hold, no matter what our status in society, we are all called upon to respect the value of human rights and dignity.

Thank you, Mr. Bernstein. Thank you for fighting the good fight....

LEILA M. DE LIMA

PNP Custodial Center, Camp Crame
30 May 2019