As the country’s independent national human rights institution and designated permanent observer to the Inter-Agency Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the issuance of the implementing guidelines of Executive Order (EO) No. 77 and expresses its full support for the institutionalization of the said committee.

Through this issuance, the Philippines takes a significant step forward in upholding its commitment to IHL and its broader obligations under international human rights and humanitarian frameworks.

The Commission underscores that respect for IHL is indispensable in preventing and addressing grave violations, such as attacks on civilian populations, recruitment of children, destruction of essential infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian efforts.

In this regard, we reaffirm the importance of Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, which provides the legal framework to hold individuals accountable for serious violations of IHL and affirms the State’s obligation to prevent impunity.

As a permanent observer, CHR reiterates its commitment to support this initiative and to work in solidarity with government institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that the committee serves as an effective platform for coordination, education, and accountability.

Notably, CHR also welcomes the inclusive nature of the committee’s mandate, which recognizes the importance of consulting concerned sectors, particularly when decisions affect vulnerable and marginalized groups. This collaborative spirit resonates with human rights principles and reinforces the State’s duty to uphold the dignity and protection of all individuals, especially during situations of armed conflict.

The Commission looks forward to actively engaging in the committee’s work and reiterates its call to further strengthen legal, institutional, and policy frameworks that promote both domestic and international human rights standards in the Philippines. ###