Today, the Commission on Human Rights, together with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), joins communities everywhere in celebrating World Hijab Day. The theme for this year’s observance is “Unity In Diversity, Aiming For Empowerment In Hijab,” which gives us the opportunity to stand in unity with Muslim women, deepen and promote understanding amongst non-Muslims about the value of wearing Hijab, and demystify the negative stigma of discrimination attached to the exercise of freedom of expression and religion.

The wearing of headscarves and veils in the form of “hijabs,” “burkas,” and “niqabs” is an act of modesty and dignity, not to be misunderstood as a symbol of oppression, terrorism and lack of freedom. It is with great alarm that even in this period, Muslim women are made to remove their hijabs and are discriminated upon in the practice of their religion.

The Constitution guarantees the absolute freedom of belief and the freedom of expression. To forcefully ask individuals, who present no clear and present danger to Philippine society, to remove his/her headscarf or veil to conform to uniformity is discriminatory and goes against constitutionally protected rights to freedom of belief and expression.

Thus, the Commission on Human Rights encourages all individuals in the celebration of World Hijab Day to take the time to understand the significance of the hijab and to stand in solidarity with women facing discrimination all around the Philippines.