The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will celebrate its 36th Anniversary on 5 May 2023 with the theme, “Ibayong Sidhi sa Pagtataguyod ng Dignidad ng Tao,” which seeks to capture the Commission’s efforts to innovate and intensify its programs and services as it endeavors to amplify the fire of its commitment in upholding the rights and dignity of all, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged.

This year’s anniversary marks the first celebration under the new leadership of the 6th Commission en banc. CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc conveyed the theme’s importance in renewing and heightening the Commission’s efforts and commitment while expressing gratitude and recognition for the gains and successes of the past Commissions.

“The 6th Commission intends to build on the gains of the past Commissions while developing new and innovative ways and programs to respond to current and emerging challenges. Our theme exemplifies our ardent efforts, collective strength, and deep commitment to defend human rights,” he said.

“In order to truly uplift the plight of the vulnerable sectors, it is crucial that we don’t become complacent, instead we must amplify our service and dedication. This is to ensure sustained improvement in the human rights situation and prevent regression that gravely impact the dignity and rights of many, particularly the vulnerable ones,” he added.

In the span of seven months under the 6th Commission, key initiatives have been started that manifest efforts to boost CHR programs and services in realization of the message of the celebration. Among the flagship program of Chairperson Palpal-latoc is the “Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan or Lakaran” to widen the Commission’s Promotion mandate through human rights education caravan in grassroots communities.

Lakaran is part of the vision of the Commission to bring CHR directly to the people and communities by setting up Barangay Human Rights Action Centers (BHRACs) in as many regional locations as possible. This initiative aims to harness local partnerships in improving the human rights situation on the ground. The BHRACs will serve as a referral mechanism for alleged human rights violation that CHR may look into and investigate. The program also aims to deepen the knowledge and awareness of the people on human rights to enable them to actively participate in ensuring a just and fair society.

In terms of strengthening its Protection mandate, CHR is creating a mechanism for strategic litigation for the first time in the institution’s history. Through this program, the Commission will actively handle cases to improve access to justice of victims of human rights violations, as well as for the protection of human rights defenders. This initiative is in line with the intention of the 1987 Constitution for CHR to provide legal aid services. It will include filing of cases on nominal complainant of human rights violation and filing of petitions for special action and special remedies concerning cases of human rights violation.

To forward its Policy mandate, CHR also continues to push for bills that will uphold and protect human rights, which include, the CHR Charter, the bill that will create the National Preventive Mechanism; CHR Human Rights Institute; and, the Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Bill, among others. Efforts to localize the HRD Bill together with our partners are also being done on the ground to institutionalize state obligations at the local level as well as for the protection of the rights of HRDs as a response to the attacks, red-tagging, vilification, and threats to their lives and security.

Chairperson Palpal-latoc proudly underscored that CHR has maintained its Status ‘A’ accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). This signifies that CHR continues to demonstrate independence, broad mandate, pluralism, and effectiveness as set forth in the Paris Principles, a set of standards that a national human rights institution must comply.

“We offer the Status ‘A’ accreditation to all our clients, especially the vulnerable sectors that give meaning to the work we do. We also share this recognition with our partners who are equally unwavering in defense of human rights and dignity. This stamp of credibility bolsters our impetus to continue preserving and upholding the independence and mandate of the Commission. The trust and support of the people and our partners also continue to serve as our strength and motivation to continually evolve and upgrade the human rights work,” he stated.

The CHR’s Sixth Commission also include Commissioner Beda A. Epres, Commissioner Faydah M. Dumarpa, and Commissioner Monina Arevalo Zenarosa.

In his message, Comm. Beda highlighted that the Status ‘A’ re-accreditation of the CHR is a testament to the Commission’s commitment to improve as an institution and manifests how every single CHR employees live up to the meaning of CHR slogan, ‘Serbisyong May Husay at Puso.’ For her part, Comm. Dumarpa highlighted the significance of the CHR mantra “CHR ng lahat: Naglilingkod maging sino ka man” to inspire employees to continually work to further the welfare and dignity of all clients, especially the vulnerable sectors. Lastly, Commissioner Zenarosa commended the excellent officials and employees who exemplified the standards and qualities required by the “Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management,” which is part of a larger initiative to improve and further strengthen the CHR. ###