The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) conveys its holiday greetings to everyone, especially to those who most need warmth, joy, and blessings during the Christmas season.
After two years of subdued Christmas celebration due to the pandemic, it is truly a blessing that we are now able to gather in person and in bigger groups for merriment and festivities. While many of us may be fortunate and privileged enough to celebrate the season with traditional feasts and joyful gatherings, the message of Christmas also reminds us to be mindful of the plight and dignity of the last, the lost, and the least.
The pandemic has ebbed down but many vulnerable sectors who suffered disproportionately may take a while to recover and heal, especially with the compounding effect of the internal and global conflict and the escalating inflation.
CHR hopes that the spirit of Christmas: awakens in us kindness considering that many have suffered pain and loss in recent years; amplifies our generosity both in material and non-material gifts to share our blessings to those who have it least; and, increases our grace for those who need forgiveness and mercy so genuine healing can be achieved.
It is expected that the State, as the primary duty-bearer, will reflect on efforts and gaps in alleviating the plight of the marginalized sectors to ensure that measures in the coming year will result to genuine inclusion and recovery. CHR continues to highlight the importance of consciously employing a rights-based framework in our actions in due recognition of the dignity of all. Doing so will help ensure that justice and compassion will prevail over impunity and abuses.
Commemorating the birth of the savior highlights the divine compassion and grace for all humanity regardless of ethnicity, sex, social origin, political and other opinion, and other external categories. Service is also among the essence of the season as Christ has exemplified in his life, which he dedicated to the poor, the wretch, and the outcast. We are hopeful that each one of us, especially our duty-bearers and leaders, will take to heart the meaning of the season, and endeavor to do better in improving the situation of the disadvantaged ones. May all our officials and civil servants be guided with the desire to serve and be veered from insidious agenda.
CHR continues to believe that our collective ideals and values as Filipinos will continue to increase our courage and compassion in defending human rights, in being vigilant against abuses, and in caring for the least of our brethren. Let our hope not waiver so our strength and vigor are sustained during this opportune season of rebirth and rebuilding.
The Commission will continue to be accessible to everyone and we commit to always work for equality and inclusion of all in line with our mantra: “CHR ng Lahat. Naglilingkod maging sino ka man.”
Let the holidays be an opportunity to renew our fervor in upholding the dignity and rights of all. We wish everyone a blessed and meaningful Christmas! ?