The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its full support for the filing of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2633, or “An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of the Out-of-School Youth,” as this recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of out-of-school youth.

Filed by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, SB 2633, also known as the Magna Carta of the Out-of-School Youth, aims to empower and encourage children unable to attend school to contribute to nation-building by providing them with learning and employment opportunities, social services, and interventions. Out-of-school youth includes those aged 15 to 30 who are not enrolled in school, lack employment, and have not graduated from high school or college. This initiative mandates the State, through the National Youth Commission (NYC), CHR, and other concerned agencies to create policies to support them.

The Commission applauds the creation of SB 2633 for providing opportunities to empower the Filipino youth and to encourage initiatives which highlight their role in the enrichment of society. This aligns with Article II, Section 13 of the Constitution as it recognizes the youth’s role in nation-building, as well as promotes and protects their overall well-being. Furthermore, it provides out-of-school youth with vocational education and other training programs to equip with the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivation for their involvement in public and civic affairs. Lastly, the bill adheres to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by ensuring their right to education, right to protection, and right to participation. 

The Commission recognizes Sen. Estrada’s initiative in introducing this bill which aims to address the vulnerabilities of the out-of-school youth sector. We urge the passage of SB 2633 as it will pave the way for the empowerment of young Filipinos. We believe that this legislation is crucial for creating a society where all youth, including those not in school, have equal opportunities to succeed. ###