While the country continues to make efforts in containing the spread of Covid-19, we also face the difficulties of managing threats posed by natural disasters. In view of the recent Taal Volcano unrest, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) underscores the importance of upholding a human rights-based approach to disaster and Covid-19 response. The CHR recognises the prompt action of local and national government units in ensuring the health and safety of affected residents in the Province of Batangas, in anticipation of any further volcanic activity in the area.
We note the commitment of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that it has enough resources to address both food and non-food item requirements of the people, and assured the public that it will continuously monitor and assess the situation of residents. The Department of Public Works and Highways also announced that it has plans in place for their pre, during, and post-disaster response. Its Region IV-A district engineering offices will be ready to assist in the event of evacuation and clearing operation of national roads.
In February 2020, the CHR issued a human rights advisory entitled “Human Rights Standards on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Taal Volcano Eruption.” The document underscores humanitarian principles, including the principle of ‘Do No Harm,’ and the importance of adhering to humanitarian standards on protection and aid provision.
An inclusive approach in protecting every individual’s rights to life and health is crucial in curbing the spread of coronavirus among displaced persons, particularly those in evacuation sites. They are disproportionately vulnerable to health risks, discrimination, and lack of access to basic social services. Apart from aid distribution, there should also be a consideration for measures covering mental health and psychosocial needs; protection from sexual exploitation and abuse and other gender issues; and continuous healthcare support to affected families. Site-specific planning must also be conducted to ensure that social distancing protocols are in place in evacuation sites. The communities’ access to potable water and clean sanitation facilities must also be unhampered, as water and sanitation are deemed a necessity in maintaining good hygiene during the pandemic.
Likewise, the Commission believes that aside from relief intervention by the government, local organisations and communities could play an essential role in disaster management, such as through the dissemination of risk information supported by scientific knowledge. As already pointed out in a recent issuance, the CHR hopes that red tapes on administrative processes in disaster response will be reduced and eventually eliminated as part of the implementation of Executive Order No. 137, which institutionalises the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence program.
Learning from our experience during the Taal Volcano eruption last year, the CHR looks forward to a responsive government plan that could mitigate the negative impacts on human life and security, and socio-economic development brought about by this new episode of unrest by the Taal Volcano, alongside the challenges of the present Covid-19 pandemic. As the national human rights institution of the country, the CHR, through its Center for Crisis, Conflict, and Humanitarian Protection, is also monitoring the human rights situation of affected communities in the Batangas province. ###