Homeless street families and individuals are among the most vulnerable sectors during the period of pandemic due to their impoverished situation exacerbated by their lack of access to social and health services.
During the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) last year, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) received reports that this vulnerable sector were not provided due protection and were not included in the list of beneficiaries for financial and social assistance.
As Metro Manila is placed under ECQ again, CHR urgently calls all cities in the nation’s capital to ensure the welfare and health of families and individual in homeless street situations. Out of the 4.5 million homeless people in the country, 3 million of them live within Metro Manila—a considerable chunk of the metropolis total population. Needless to say, homelessness is present in other parts of the country and needs equal government attention.
With the rising number of Covid-19 cases and the community transmission of the Delta variant, this marginalised sector is faced with greater risks of infection. Further, they face discrimination in accessing social and health services, including vaccines. There is also a perception among them that they have no right to access vaccines given their lack of facility and/or could not register in any barangay which they are not a bona fide resident.
Given this pressing factors, the CHR urges all concerned local government units (LGUs) to expediently ensure that individuals and families in homeless street situations are:
- Given adequate shelter, compliant with the health protocols as protection from the Covid-19 virus, or
- In the absence of shelters, the non-destruction of semi-permanent structures, they consider as temporary shelters or homes;
- Non-confiscation of their properties and belongings during road clearing operations;
- Become eligible as beneficiaries of social amelioration program (SAP), or any form of financial aid, despite not being included in the list of residents in a barangay; and
- Assisted in the registration for securing an appointment for vaccination.
Due to their urgent and unique situation, a separate and adequate program or mechanism for this marginalised group may be necessary in each LGU. This is to ensure that no one is left behind so we may truly heal and recover as one and work together towards a better normal.
CHR continues to be committed and willing to work with all concerned agencies and LGUs in upholding the welfare and dignity of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable ones, in these challenging times. ###