The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its support for House Bill No. 402, known as the “Dignity of Women Deprived of Liberty Act.” This bill aims to address the vulnerabilities faced by women in detention facilities and jails. As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we recognize the distinct needs of these women, particularly as mothers, and emphasize the importance of providing the necessary services and interventions to support them.

Filed by Reps. Arlene D. Brosas, Adrian Michael A. Amatong, France L. Castro, and Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, HB No. 402 seeks to define certain rights of women deprived of liberty through the development of specific action-oriented initiatives and recommendations based on their needs. This proposed bill mandates their right to health care, right to stay with their infant children in infirmaries inside correctional facilities, right against punishment by close confinement or disciplinary segregation, right to education and information, and right to legal assistance in filing complaints.

The CHR has consistently advocated for the implementation of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, or the Bangkok Rules, in the country, through an enforceable protection under the Philippine law. As such, we look forward to the passage of HB No. 402 in order to effectively protect and promote the rights of women deprived of liberty in line with international human rights standards.

The Commission hopes that this initiative will pave for the implementation of more policies and initiatives that will be beneficial to the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), while paying attention to the specific needs of women. To this end, CHR will continue to advocate for progressive measures which promote a just system that prioritizes equal treatment and protection for all, including the rights of PDLs.###