The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over the recent findings in the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report. The study reveals that over 23 million children under the age of 14 experience violent discipline within their homes—an alarming statistic that underscores the deeply ingrained culture of violence affecting many Filipino children.
UNICEF’s report also shows that, in 2022, three in five children—or nearly 60 percent of one- to 14-year-olds in the Philippines—experienced at least one form of “violent discipline.” Furthermore, 11.6 million children, or more than 50 percent of this age group, reported experiencing physical aggression; 9.1 million, or 39 percent, were subjected to physical punishment; while nearly 800,000, or 3.4 percent, suffered “severe” physical punishment.
This pervasive cycle of violence is compounded by high rates of child abuse, school bullying, child labor, and early marriage, which further highlight the widespread vulnerabilities faced by Filipino children.
The Commission believes this report unveils a troubling reality: many children are subjected to violent discipline—a practice we must urgently put to an end. In light of these findings, we call on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize child protection in both policy and practice.
Article XV, Section 3(2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms that “the State shall defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”
Furthermore, Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) mandates State Parties to “take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse.”
In line with this, the Commission continues to call for the immediate passage of the Magna Carta of Children Bill. We envision this legislation as a means to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure the effective implementation of the UNCRC in the country.
The CHR, through its Child Rights Center, is an active member of the Core Group advocating for the Magna Carta of Children and is engaged in lobbying efforts for the passage of Senate Bill 2612 and House Bill 10159. Protecting the rights of children is both a moral obligation and a Constitutional duty. As duty-bearers, we must ensure the effective implementation of programs and forge partnerships across all sectors to address these challenges. The CHR also emphasizes the importance of promoting positive parenting strategies that nurture children through compassion, understanding, and non-violent discipline.
As the country’s national human rights institution, the CHR remains committed to advancing the rights of children and working collaboratively to build a future where every child is safe, respected, and valued.
No child should grow up in a world where violence and fear overshadow love and peace. ###