“The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

The Commission on Human Rights is in full support of the House Bill that pushes for the creation of trust fund for the abandoned, neglected, and voluntary committed children in the country. Young people who are deprived of a family environment deserve to have a chance in life to pursue their aspirations in the future. Having seed money to support children’s full development when they leave the government facilities would be in their best interest and would help them reach their full potential as adults.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly lays out the State responsibility to provide special protection and assistance if children cannot live with their families. Furthermore, it is the government’s obligation to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and development of any child placed in alternative care through the regular monitoring and review of such programs.

The Commission is open to future consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in ensuring that human rights standards are integrated in the implementation stage of the proposed legislation. As some members of the Congress and Senate have expressed their full support to the bill, we are hopeful for the immediate passage of the law that will provide better future condition for children who are prone to various vulnerabilities due to their family situation. ###