Introduction

Armed conflicts in the Philippines have profound and lasting effects on children. Over the past decades, many children have been injured, killed, recruited by armed groups, or separated from their families. Attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as the denial of assistance during emergencies, further exacerbate their vulnerability. These experiences result in enduring psychological and physical harm, impeding their ability to develop safely and with dignity.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) works to protect children in these situations. Under Republic Act 11188, or the “Act Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” the CHR monitors how armed conflicts affect children, investigates violations, and coordinates support to keep them safe. CHR work ensures that children are not forgotten and that their rights and voices are respected, even in times of war.

The 2025 Annual Report of the Commission highlights substantial progress in implementing Republic Act 11188. Notably, the Philippines’ removal from the United Nations list of countries with serious child rights violations after 22 years. The efforts of the Inter-Agency Committee on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (IAC-CSAC), the development of protocols and existing monitoring mechanisms, and the Commission’s analysis, conclusions, and recommendations provide a framework for continued advancement beyond the country’s delisting from the United Nations list.

The Commission reiterates its position that significant gaps remain in the protection of and service delivery for children involved in armed conflict (CIAC). The absence of clear and comprehensive guidelines on the handling of foreign children affected by armed conflict, as well as on the prevention of and response to the recruitment and use of children by armed groups, is among these gaps. These gaps underscore the need for decisive action by the primary duty-bearer—the Government—to ensure full compliance with its national and international obligations.