The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in line with its monitoring and watchdog mandate, notes the Philippines’ removal from the United Nations’ list of situations with grave child rights violations related to armed conflict after 22 years, and welcomes this development as a milestone in the protection of children’s rights. [1] This milestone underscores sustained national efforts to strengthen the implementation of the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act, or Republic Act (RA) No. 11188.
This development is detailed in the Commission’s 2025 Annual Report on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC), which cites key institutional mechanisms established by the Philippine government and civil society to safeguard children. Central to these efforts is the Inter-Agency Committee on CSAC, which coordinates implementation among agencies under RA No. 11188.
Government protocols have also strengthened child protection systems. The Armed Forces of the Philippines ensures that children encountered in operations are treated as victims and rights-holders. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development leads the care, custody, and referral of children, recognizing them as survivors in need of protection and rehabilitation. The Department of Education has also issued guidelines promoting schools as Zones of Peace and discouraging their use for military purposes.
Civil society organizations have also supported these efforts. These include the International Committee of the Red Cross, Plan International, and Sulong Peace through programs on psychosocial support, education assistance, and child protection advocacy.
The Philippines has likewise continued to comply with international standards. CHR notes the country’s participation in the UN Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting, which implements the UN Security Council Resolution No. 1612 Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on grave child rights violations.
As the country’s national human rights institution, CHR continues to strengthen child protection in conflict settings. These efforts include nationwide monitoring of grave child rights violations to improve response systems; the development of CHR guidelines on monitoring, reporting, and responding to CSAC cases; the issuance of a Human Rights Advisory identifying gaps in the implementation of RA No. 11188;[2] the launch of a CSAC e-Course to address knowledge gaps among frontline service providers; and the conduct of Kabataan Karapatan Caravans to expand grassroots awareness of children’s rights.
Despite this milestone, protection gaps remain. Resource and operational constraints, limited access to specialized psychosocial and mental health services, and gaps in reintegration programs continue to affect protection outcomes. Duty-bearers must consistently recognize children in conflict situations as victims whose rights and futures must be safeguarded.
The Commission remains committed to fulfilling its mandate to protect the rights of every Filipino child, including those in conflict-affected areas. Upholding children’s rights is a shared responsibility among government, civil society, and communities to ensure that every child can grow in a society where their dignity and well-being are promoted and protected.
Read the full CHR Annual Report on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict* here: bit.ly/chrreportoncsac
[1] United Nations General Assembly. (2025 17 June). Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict (A/79/878-S/2025/247). https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/247
[2] CHR issues advisory on protecting the rights of children affected by armed conflict* https://chr.gov.ph/2025/statements/chr-issues-advisory-on-protecting-the-rights-of-children-affected-by-armed-conflict/_