*Rule of Law and Fundamental Human Rights, July 6-19, 2014: Germany

I saw a group of people around a person carrying a sign. I went near them and read what was written on the paper. He was not what I was looking for. As instructed, I waited nearest my arrival gate. It was my first time in Europe so after probably 10 minutes I started to worry. Another woman arrived, sat near me, we smiled at each other, no words uttered,and waited. After a little while, the uneasy-paranoid me, began to walk around. I kept looking outside for the man who was supposed to welcome me in the airport but he wasn’t there and it was already probably around 20 minutes since I arrived. I was really getting worried. I grabbed the public phone and I was gonna call the academy to verify if the driver already left to pick me up. But right before I was able to lift the handset, I turned my head and saw the other woman talking to a man carrying a sign. It was finally him, I felt so relieved.

Henry, the driver, apologized for being late. Lamiya, the other woman, became the first ever participant I talked to during the seminar. She was so nice and sweet. I loved her accent. She is from Turkey but originally from Azerbaijan, such a beautiful journalist.

We were taken in the car and we met four (4) other participants who Henry picked from the train station. Nqobani from Zimbabwe, Fatma from Tanzania, Cesar from Mexico and Jenny from Lebanon.  Henry initially warned us that there is no speed limit in most Germany free-ways so he drives really fast and drive fast, he really did. I was not that surprised though because Filipinos are pretty fast drivers too, despite the speed limits. haha! Throughout the ride, I was amazed at the greens of Germany. I love nature, I love the environment. I enjoy the smell of the trees and the chirping of the birds. Right then and there, I knew I was gonna love it there. I was sure I am gonna have a great time, and surely, I did.

We got into the Theodor Heuss Academy before noon. We checked in our rooms and settled down. I was in Room 501 and it had a great view of Gummersbach – its beautiful houses and trees, I was welcomed by such a lovely sight. My room was also comfortable, I had my own bathroom. It’s funny though that I spent quite a while searching for the airconditioning unit and failed. When we arrived, weather was fair and it was summer in Germany so since I come from a tropical country, it is really the first thing I look for in a room. But they were right, I got by really fine without airconditioning and I had to even stay under the sheets most of the time. Sana ganun din ang summer sa Pinas. HAHA! 🙂

At around 1pm, I went down to the cafeteria for lunch. I shared the table with some of the participants, our moderator Eniko and someone from FNF. We had a nice conversation over lunch and the food was great.

I went back to my room to rest after eating, I needed it as I had a good 24 hour travel. I really needed to rest, or so I thought. Instead, I spoke with my family and Kyle, until it was time to go down for our “welcome” activity.

We introduced ourselves. I saw 21 different people coming from all over the world. I appreciate diversity so much that I was immediately thrilled at the sight of different nationalities and ethnicities coming together in one room. Lawyers, economists, journalists, scholars, politicians, government officials, professors, NGO volunteers, all advocating for the promotion of Rule of Law in the enforcement and protection of Fundamental Human Rights. I was so fortunate to be included in the group. Really thankful, beyond blessed.

We had a fun activity before dinner. We answered to various questions which pretty much gave us an idea of the participants’ personalities and convictions. My favorite question was, “What do you want to do on your free time”. And yes, I was part of the procrastinating group together with Jenny and Khadija from Pakistan. While the others said listening to music, going to bar, reading a book, the three of us wanted to SLEEP. hahaha! It is amusing actually that the three of us stuck together all throughout the Seminar and even after. I love you girls. ❤

The formal start of the seminar was on July 7. We had Spanish speaking colleagues so we need the help of our able and very patient interpreters, Clementina and Camilo. We had toys, i.e. earphones and radios to hear the interpretations. We had the first round of discussions, debates and work group on the first day. Building up on our inputs during the online phase of the seminar, we created Information Markets of current fundamental human rights infringements and rule of law deficiencies in our countries. The presentation started before dinner and was continued the next day. This first activity opened our eyes to the fundamental human rights violations in different countries. It gave us a holistic approach on the subject matter as situations differ from one country and culture to another. To a certain extent, we realized that despite the existence of rigid and apt laws in certain jurisdictions, it is not a guarantee that fundamental human rights are protected as the problem/deficiency mostly occur in the implementation. We figured the important role being played by political leaders in the advancement of rule of law to protect fundamental human rights. That there is a need for liberal political leaders who embodies the ideology to heart in the aims of upholding the rule OF law, not the rule BY law and especially not rule BY MAN.

After a fruitful first day, the participants went for a walk around the Academy. Some went to town, while Khadija, Jenny, Jianshiu of China, Nqobani, Eniko and I went for a stroll on the greenside. Eniko picked a small specie of strawberry and rasberries along the way. She had us try them, despite initial reservations, most of us ate and it was good. 🙂 We trusted her and we decided right. That walk also made us see such an amazing view,  the countryside was so breathtaking. The pictures we took of the scenery were as beautiful as paintings. For a couple of times, we jest about building a house on one hill and settle there for life. It was indeed a great way to cap the day. 🙂

We, the same group, did a similar walk on the last day together with Susie of Germany, Felipe of Brazil and Clementina of Spain. This time, Jianshiu guided us through the forest. The trees were beautiful, even them were so aligned. Jenny, finally ate freshly picked raspberries. She was so brave this time. And yes, just like the first time we had fun albeit the attack of the small but terrible chihuahua and the weird shortcuts Jianshiu made us walk through.

On different occasions, we were also able to go downtown and see its beauty. Jianshiu always goes for a walk in the morning, I was supposed to join him a couple of times but failed. haha! I was finally able to jog one morning though and the stillness of the town mesmerized me. It was so clean and calm. People abide by the rules. They were so disciplined. I also particularly loved the architecture. Houses looked so homey. This is the kind of environment I wanted, peaceful and serene. There were times also when Jenny, Kadhija and I went for a walk with Danila from Russia who was a very good photographer, Cesar and Susie.

I also cannot forget the time when Radju from India took us to a far away supermart where Jenny can buy a luggage. We got so tired from all the walking that when Jenny and I saw someone from the Academy, we did not waste the time to stalk him. We made Radju, however, speak on behalf us, and ask if the man can drive us back. Luckily, we did not have to walk a good 15-25 minutes again. It was tiring but again, fun. 🙂

     

 

During the day, we are in the plenary. We discuss, debate and argue on various points. It is enriching to learn from all of them. It was a healthy discussion, I for one respected all their opinions, again, despite the diversity. For me, that was the beauty of the seminar, we learned from each other. And it’s just beautiful to listen to brilliant individuals who, based on their vast experiences and years of studying, knows a lot about international current events, articles, ideologies, principles and thinkers. It was a group with participants coming from different orientations but I submit that all debates were reasonably made.

Yes, most of the time we were in the Academy. But in this seminar, we were given an opportunity to explore other areas in Germany and in France. We also got to see organizations advocating human rights, rule of law institutions, universities and esteemed personalities. We were also able to see the beauty of Strasbourg, France – its history and its people. We were delighted by some of Europe’s beautiful churches and architecture. Our excursions made me remember the field trips I had when I was younger. Educational but fun. Definitely a worthy experience. It was also during our free time in Cologne that we got to fully bond with Kristina, our youthful, intelligent and very vibrant friend from Slovenia. 🙂

Indeed, the excursions made our experience more holistic. The visits were crucial and important. But I can also say that the Academy in itself made the entire experience worthy. The Theodor Heuss Academy stands on a beautiful hill overlooking Gummersbach. It has complete amenities for leisure and fun. There was a playroom in the basement where participants can play table tennis, billiard and fussball. Near to the playroom is the bar when participants can hang out and party as long as they want. The cafeteria also served good food and they kept us full. There are also  tennis and football courts outside. Plus, there was really good wifi which made participants connected to home despite the distance.

I wanna end this blog, however, with the biggest blessing I received because of this seminar – my new found friends. I am thankful that I learned a lot and I came home with a broader perspective and knowledge on the rule of law and fundamental human rights. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet different people and to be in Europe for the first time. I am so grateful.

I take pride in developing  great personal relationships with most of the participants. But at the end of day, I will never forget that it is through this experience that I met individuals as precious as Jenny, Khadija, Jianshiu and Kristina. Up until this day, we are constantly communicating through our own viber group and we still continue to share our experiences, insights and activities. Some of the participants may have probably seen us, esp the three of us girls, as quite reserved because we have a different way of having fun. But we are good that way and that’s how we developed this friendship. We were quite clingy. haha!

It might be too early to say that this friendship will last but we are at least determined in keeping it. We are a mixture of races, religions and cultures but we clicked just like that. With them, I felt like I was home and that I can just be myself, no judgments. We inspire each other to be better persons. When one of us goes through something, we guide the person along. In such a short time, it is amazing that we have created this strong support group already. I am so looking forward to the day that our plans will push through and that we shall all be together again.

It was said that the Academy is akin to a prison as we are kept there all day long in isolation and it’s quite far from the city. But yes, after everything that I have experienced and learned because of this isolation, I can truly say that it was the best “prison” on earth. If I were to be incarcerated, it should probably be in IAF. 🙂