The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) fully supports the recent enactment of the “Basilan Province Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Ordinance” by its provincial government on 8 August 2024. This ordinance marks the first-ever local legislation by a provincial government specifically dedicated to the protection of human rights defenders.

Notably, this ordinance provides a clear definition of who qualifies as a human rights defender, enabling the provincial government to better identify individuals or groups entitled to protection. Furthermore, it outlines the obligations of duty-bearers to ensure that the fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders are safeguarded, and that they are provided a secure environment in which they can carry out their work without fear of arbitrary arrest or enforced disappearance.

Another salient feature of the ordinance is its comprehensive enumeration of rights that the constituents of Basilan may exercise. This includes, but is not limited to, the right to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the right to form groups, and the right to receive and utilize resources.

The CHR commends the provincial government for its proactive engagement with civil society through meaningful consultations, which reflects the spirit of cooperation between the government and its constituents in the development of this ordinance.

We view this positive development as a potential catalyst for similar local legislation across the country, with the aim of fostering a more conducive environment for human rights protection at the grassroots level. We encourage other local governments to explore the possibility of enacting similar laws, inspired by the principles and intent of Basilan’s ordinance.

To recall, the Isabela City in Basilan pioneered the passage of the Philippines’ first local Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Ordinance in April 2023, paving the way for the provincial government’s own enactment of a counterpart ordinance.

In this light, the Commission hopes that Basilan’s ordinance will inspire and motivate more local governments to adopt measures aimed at providing concrete protection for human rights defenders. We look forward to the day when defending the rights and dignity of the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized becomes a priority for all, recognizing that human rights defenders play an essential role in ensuring that the rights and freedoms of all are protected and upheld.###