Selling children is a human rights violation!
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern and vehemently condemns the ongoing practice of child selling in the country, particularly through online platforms. The Commission has recently documented several alarming cases, including one involving a child as young as one-month-old who was subjected to this abhorrent practice.
The sale of children—even by their own parents, and regardless of intent—is a clear violation of Philippine law and constitutes child trafficking, punishable under Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and Republic Act No. 9208, as amended (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act).
CHR urgently calls on the Philippine government to uphold its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Article 35 of the UNCRC mandates that States Parties take all appropriate measures to prevent the abduction, sale, or trafficking of children. These acts represent grave human rights violations that must be addressed with utmost urgency.
CHR calls on the government to undertake the following immediate and concrete actions:
- Strengthen the monitoring and regulation of online platforms;
- Enhance surveillance and investigative capabilities; and
- Ensure the swift prosecution and conviction of perpetrators.
The Commission also reminds individuals and couples seeking to adopt that a legal and ethical process is in place. Republic Act No. 11642 (Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act) streamlines the adoption process, making it more efficient and accessible. Legal adoption safeguards the rights and welfare of the child. It is imperative that prospective adoptive parents follow lawful procedures.
We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of child trafficking to the proper authorities. Protecting our children is a collective duty and a shared societal responsibility.
Let us stand united against the exploitation of children. No child should ever be bought, sold, or treated as a commodity.
Stop child trafficking now. ###