Manila, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will conclude its Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan (LaKarAn) Human Rights Caravan in the National Capital Region (NCR) on November 25-26, 2024. The culmination event, which will be mostly held at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, will feature a dynamic lineup of activities bringing together human rights advocates, local government units, civil society organizations, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen partnerships and promote human rights advocacy.
Kicking off the two-day program is the LAKAD-RUN for Human Rights, a symbolic Interagency Race at 4:30 AM on 25 November 2024 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila. This event signifies peace, unity, and solidarity, with participation from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), affirming their commitment to justice and human rights. The event also includes the delivery of Statements of Commitment from agency representatives, an Oath of Commitment to human rights advocacy, and the Ceremonial Banging of the Gong of Peace.
The CHR-NCR and the Policy Linkages Office will convene a Community-Based Dialogue on Local Legislative Agenda at The Bayleaf Hotel at 8:30 AM on the same day. The dialogue will focus on initiatives such as the Human Rights Defenders Ordinance, Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, Safe Spaces Act, and Mental Health Ordinance. Participants, including local leaders and human rights advocates, will exchange best practices and collaborate on rights-based governance policies.
Simultaneously, the Human Rights Action Center Summit will highlight the implementation of the DILG-CHR Joint Memorandum Circular on mainstreaming human rights in local governance. A ceremonial signing of a Manifesto of Commitment will underscore participants’ unified dedication to human rights advocacy.
At 3:00 PM, media representatives are invited to a special Media Session with CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc, offering an opportunity to discuss pressing human rights issues and the role of media in safeguarding democracy.
On November 26, the program continues with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University, to embed human rights education in academic curricula. The MOA underscores education’s pivotal role in cultivating a culture of dignity, equality, and justice.
In parallel, CHR will hold a Paralegal Training and Dialogue with civil society organizations (CSOs), equipping participants with essential legal knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for human rights within communities.
CHR Chairperson Hon. Richard Palpal-latoc emphasized,“The Lakaran Caravan underscores our commitment to ensuring that every Filipino understands their rights and responsibilities. It is our call to action for unity in safeguarding human dignity.”
The event will culminate in a Closing Ceremony featuring the unveiling of the LaKarAn Accomplishments Board and messages of solidarity from international partners, including the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the European Union.
Since its inception, LaKarAn has conducted Human Rights 101 Training for over 270 security sector members and more than 950 barangay officials, provided paralegal training to 670 representatives from local CSOs, and partnered with 59 HEIs nationwide to promote human rights education. It has also facilitated the enactment of 69 human rights-related ordinances across cities and municipalities, further embedding human rights in local governance.
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This is a press release from the Commission on Human Rights through the Governance in Justice Programme: The Human Rights Component (GOJUST II-HR). LaKarAn is supported by GOJUST, which is co-funded by the European Union in the Philippines and the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID).
For more information about the CHR, you may contact Ms. Rachel Pelayo at 0917 837 0265 or through communications@chr.gov.ph. On matters about LaKarAn and GOJUST, you may coordinate with Ms. Julian Inah Anunciacion via telefax (02) 8361-7022 or through jiganunciacion@chr.gov.ph. On human rights promotion efforts, you may reach Dr. Jerrick Gerrard C. Go, OIC-Director, HREPO at 0917 301 8006 or through jgcgo@chr.gov.ph.