MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vowed to remain committed to its mandate as it celebrates its 39th founding anniversary.
CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc cited Thursday the agency’s role in advancing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights both in moments of urgency and in the everyday lives of Filipinos.
Palpal-latoc reported that in a bid to broaden access to justice, the CHR has partnered with the Supreme Court in launching the Unified Legal Aid Service, a digital platform linking marginalized Filipinos with free legal support. He added that the CHR, being the protector and promoter of gender equality, has ramped up campaigns on inclusivity.
The CHR has represented the Philippines at the United Nations, where it discussed obstacles to justice for women and girls at the 70th Commission on the Status of Women session, defending Indigenous lands at the UN Expert Mechanism, and advocating for a legally binding treaty for older persons in Geneva.
“The work of the CHR under the 6th Commission en banc has since diversified, spanning sustained efforts on food security through multi-stakeholder dialogues, climate justice, emerging technologies and their human rights implications, and business and human rights, including the promotion of corporate accountability and responsible conduct that respects human dignity,” Palpal-latoc said.
He added that the CHR has identified concrete measures against red-tagging.
“These include clarifying the definition and elements of red-tagging, and addressing fragmented protection, weak accountability, and barriers to justice,” Palpal-latoc said. Palpal-latoc stressed that the agency's work on press freedom and media safety is continuing, noting journalists, as human rights defenders, must be protected from both online and offline threats.
