A global research group, CIVICUS Monitor, recently released a report noting a ‘repressed’ human rights situation in the Philippines—describing it as ‘the second worst rating a country can have.’

Among the issues raised in the said study were the deaths of human rights defenders, red tagging of activists and journalists, as well as threats being posed by the new anti-terrorism law. 

If we can recall, these are similar observations made by the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, which then condemned all acts of intimidation and reprisal, both online and offline, by State and non-State actors against individuals and groups working to promote and protect human rights. 

While we have noted signals of openness by the present administration to reverse this trend and fully commit to upholding human rights, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has continuously urged the government to do more and better in fulfilling this commitment. This means starting with fully appreciating the value and role of human rights and not undermining it as an obstacle to providing a better life to Filipinos. 

In the CHR Report on the Situation of the Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines (2020),  part of the conclusion explains: “The role of HRDs [human rights defenders] in promoting human rights and advocating for change is  essential in upholding the fundamental values of a democratic society. Restricting the ability of HRDs and civic society to counter repressive practices is shortsighted and counterproductive to the stability of our democracy. All forms of violence against HRDs must immediately cease.

“As such, CHR has remained hopeful that this government will sincerely engage us for cooperation and towards holding perpetrators of human rights violations to account. We need to be able to translate government promises into reduction of violence on the ground; allowing more open and transparent investigations  and effective remedies for human rights violations, such as cases of extrajudicial killings; and genuine recognition of the value of dialogue as a way to make the country better and not to destabilise a government, especially that we live under a democracy. 

Until the government demonstrates consistency in upholding human rights in all aspects of governance, in words and in deed, improving the human rights situation in the country will remain to be a challenge. 

CHR, alongside human rights mechanisms, such as the UN, and other human rights advocates, should be seen as partners for this goal. And it will be easier for us to change this course if we allow inclusion and partnership, instead of depicting everyone with a contrary opinion as an enemy. In the end, it is the government that has the primary obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of all, especially the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised sectors. It has to take the lead and take this role more proactively. 

Read: CHR Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines, https://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CHRP-2020-Report-on-the-Situation-of-Human-Rights-Defenders.pdf.