The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the call for the creation of the Vulnerable Sectors Unit (VSU) at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The term vulnerable sectors refer to sectors the members of which are disadvantaged in the exercise of their electoral rights. These sectors consist of persons with disabilities, older persons, heavily pregnant women, indigenous people, persons deprived of liberty, and internally displaced persons.

The right to suffrage is a fundamental human right and a constitutionally-protected right. The political rights of the members of the vulnerable sectors must be guaranteed in accordance with the Constitution, international conventions, and our own domestic laws. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity to vote without discrimination and restrictions. The 1987 Philippine Constitution also provides that all citizens, otherwise disqualified by law may exercise their right to vote.

It is, therefore, the duty of the state to uphold, promote, and respect the free exercise of electoral rights of all, including members of the vulnerable sectors. The existence of VSU will ensure accountability to the vulnerable sectors throughout the electoral cycle – from voter registration to the elections. The VSU will also strengthen the efforts of the COMELEC to put effective measures into place that will increase the accessibility for the vulnerable sectors towards greater participation in governance. ###