The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the nation in observing International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month this August under the theme, “Pinalakas na Ugnayan at Pagkakaisa sa Pagsulong ng IHL.” As armed conflicts continue to affect communities in the Philippines and around the world, this year’s observance reminds us that protecting human dignity during armed conflict demands the collective commitment of all sectors.
IHL affirms that even amid armed conflict, humanity must prevail. The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, to which the Philippines is a State Party, establish fundamental rules that protect civilians and persons who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities. The principles of distinction, proportionality, precaution, and military necessity regulate the conduct of hostilities to minimise human suffering while preserving human dignity. Complementing international human rights law, IHL serves as a vital safeguard to ensure that even in times of conflict, every person remains protected under the law.
As armed conflicts continue to claim lives, displace communities, and deepen social divisions, the Commission reiterates that all parties must faithfully comply with both IHL and international human rights law. Respect for these legal frameworks is indispensable to protecting civilians, reducing suffering, and creating the conditions for sustainable peace. As the country’s National Human Rights Institution, the CHR remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to protect human rights and promote a human rights-based approach to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This commitment continues to guide the Commission’s efforts to advance truth, accountability, and institutional reform.
In 2025, the CHR conducted a National Inquiry on the Current Situation of Human Rights Defenders, with particular focus on incidents of red-tagging. The inquiry underscored the serious threats that such practices pose to the life, liberty, and security of human rights defenders, while recommending stronger protection measures, more effective accountability mechanisms, and sustained efforts to safeguard civic space. In conflict-affected communities, these practices may further increase the vulnerability of civilians and human rights defenders, undermine the protections that IHL affords civilians, and weaken the conditions necessary for accountability and lasting peace. The Commission therefore reiterates its call for decisive action to protect human rights defenders and ensure that all individuals are able to exercise their rights and participate in civic and democratic life freely, safely, and meaningfully.
The Commission has likewise undertaken a Regional Inquiry on the Alleged Violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the Negros Island Region on 28 and 29 July 2026. Convened in aid of the Commission’s ongoing investigations, the inquiry seeks to establish an independent and verified factual record of conflict-related incidents, examine the conduct of all actors against applicable IHL and human rights standards, and identify institutional and systemic reforms necessary to prevent recurrence. Anchored on impartiality, due process, and evidence-based fact-finding, the inquiry reflects the Commission’s enduring commitment to accountability, particularly in situations where competing narratives and protracted conflict continue to affect communities.
As part of this year’s observance, the Commission will convene the 2026 CHR Conference on IHL with the theme “The Business of Armed Conflict” on 13 August 2026 at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City. As businesses increasingly operate in conflict-affected environments, discussions on responsible business conduct, human rights, and accountability have become increasingly important. The conference will examine the intersections of business, armed conflict, and accountability in the Philippine context, including the role of businesses in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict recovery. Building on last year’s inaugural conference, this year’s gathering reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to fostering informed public dialogue, strengthening multi-stakeholder engagement, and advancing a deeper understanding of IHL amid evolving humanitarian challenges.
The observance of IHL Month is both a reminder and a call to action. Peace is not merely the absence of armed conflict, but the presence of justice, accountability, and institutions that uphold the dignity and rights of every person. At a time when conflict continues to test our shared humanity, the Commission calls on all sectors to uphold IHL, reject impunity, and work together to ensure that humanity always prevails over violence.####