Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the construction of a causeway project in Tacloban, threatening environment and livelihood security among residents
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its concern on the reported plans to construct a causeway project in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban City which may threaten the preservation and potential growth of the ecosystem in the area. The ongoing construction of the 2.56 kilometer road embankment and reclamation project gives rise to a list of […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the green initiative partnership of the QC local government and QC Police District
The Commission on Human Rights commends the first-ever green camp in Metro Manila, through the “Project Green Camp Karingal” of the Quezon City (QC) local government and the QC Police District (QCPD). This partnership envisions to promote environment-friendly workspaces amongst other police districts. During the launch of the partnership in Camp Karingal, QC Mayor Joy […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights commending Banco de Oro for sharing its climate action best practices
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds Banco De Oro (BDO) Unibank, Inc. for its initiatives to help address the pervasive issue of climate change, in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP-BHR) and the Philippines’ National Climate Change Action Plan.[1] BDO Vice President and Head of the Sustainability […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing concern and welcoming the humanitarian response of government agencies following the oil spill incident in Oriental Mindoro
The right to a healthy environment is crucial in the enjoyment of all other human rights. Environmental degradation, climate change, and pollution have all been proven to have significant negative impacts on human health, well-being, livelihood, mobility, as well as cultural identity. Following the capsizing of MT Princess Empress last 28 February 2023, which caused […]
Statement of Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions to the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines on the Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change, the Environment, and Human Rights
The Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) wishes to congratulate the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines for their ground-breaking on the issue of ‘Climate Change, the Environment and Human Rights.’ In 2015, a group of civil society organisations and citizens of the Philippines filed a petition with the Commission, asking […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the proposed increased budget allocation for climate change spending for 2023
Reports of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provide clear, indisputable evidence of global warming. Key indicators point to alarming changes in temperature and increased frequency of extreme weather and climate events. While more and more States have strengthened their commitment to address climate change, there is still an urgent need for: (1) […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the landmark UN resolution recognising healthy environment as a human right
The realisation of all human rights are contingent on the state and sustainability of our ecosystems. Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss are profoundly linked to the multiple issues humankind is facing today: conflicts over natural resources, fiscal losses and debt, public health crises, food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and increased endangerment of […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the alleged mining pollution of rivers in Davao Oriental due to mining
It is concerning that the mining operation in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental has resulted in massive siltation and discoloration of the Mapagba and Pintatagan rivers. The water from the said rivers drains into the Davao Gulf, which may also affect coastal areas nearby, including the fishers who rely on these waters. Findings by the Davao Oriental […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, supporting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ call to legislate wetland protection
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) echoes the call of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to put into law the advancement of wetland conservation and protection. Wetlands, such as rivers, lakes, marshes and swamps, coastal, marine, and human-made wetlands, are essential to many forms of life. They comprise a wide range of […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, supporting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ call to certify the Environmental Protection and Enforcement Bureau Bill urgent
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) echoes its support for the urgent passage of the Environmental Protection and Enforcement Bureau (EPEB) Bill. In a previous statement, the CHR recognised the push of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to better enforce environmental laws as a positive step in protecting the human rights of […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the push of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for better enforcement of environmental laws
A number of laws have been passed in the Philippines to protect the rich ecosystems in the country. However, these laws are oftentimes not enforced based on their spirit and letters—both for the benefit of the environment, as well as the protection of all other forms of life dependent on it. The Commission on Human […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the celebration of International Mother Earth Day
Today, 22 April 2020, marks the 50th anniversary of International Mother Earth Day. This year’s celebration is a historical moment for the world as many nations confront the threat of the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19). While mother nature suffers from devastating effects of climate change, people are dying too due to this ongoing public health crisis. […]