The Commission on Human Rights extends its heartfelt sympathy to the people of Mindanao who were severely affected by the series of powerful earthquakes resulting to the tragic loss of least 23 lives, injuring more than 400 individuals, and displacing thousands of families in various parts of the island.

As in all emergencies of such devastating magnitude, the Commission calls on various government agencies to adopt a human rights-based response to protect the life, personal security, physical integrity, and dignity of affected populations and to prevent natural disasters to provoke new or exacerbate existing conflicts in earthquake-hit areas of Mindanao.

Prompt delivery of humanitarian assistance, such as adequate food, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and health and psychosocial services should be the utmost priority of responding government and relief organisations. As resources tend to be scarce, persons affected by natural disasters are more prone to unequal access to humanitarian assistance, discrimination in provision of aid, forced relocation, and gender-based violence.

The government must also ensure the safety of the people before allowing them to return to their residences as buildings that have been structurally compromised by earthquakes are more susceptible to collapse during aftershocks. Likewise, affected communities require government assistance to fully recover from their loss of properties and livelihood.

The Commission underscores that those who are socially vulnerable groups are usually more prone to the negative impacts of natural disasters. Special needs and protection should be provided particularly to children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The Commission welcomes the assurance of the government that there are enough supplies for the earthquake victims and expects speedy distribution of the aid. In all of its disaster response efforts, it must always be in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards to ensure the protection and safety of people at risks in times of disaster. ###