The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has frowned upon the Philippine government's treatment of human rights defenders (HRDs) and even accused it of engaging in acts that circumvent their rights.
"The Commission finds that the government, beyond failing to adopt the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, purposely engages in acts that frustrate the fulfillment of the rights provided therein," the CHR's resolution read.
The resolution is an outcome of a study that was led by CHR Commissioner Roberto Eugenio T. Cadiz, focal commissioner for Resolution No. CHR-V-AM 2019-095 dated April 30, 2019, on a comprehensive inquiry on the current situation of HRDs in the country.
The CHR reminded the government that it has an obligation to promote and protect human rights without discrimination. "Restricting the ability of HRDs and civic society to counter repressive practices is shortsighted and counterproductive to the stability of our democracy. All forms of violence against HRDs must immediately cease," it said.
The Commission reminds the State of its obligation to promote and protect human rights without discrimination. This “includes both negative and positive aspects. On the one hand, States must refrain from violating human rights” and actively renounce and desist from conducting activities that infringe on basic human rights.
Any attacks made against HRDs should be investigated immediately by the government, and perpetrators must be held accountable, the resolution stressed.
However, the CHR also acknowledges the possibility that some organizations that seek to uphold human rights might have members that are affiliated with larger organizations whose ultimate objective is to destabilize the government. In this case, the "challenge" to the government is undeniable.
"Under these circumstances, the Commission cautions the Government against the haphazard treatment of all the members of some organizations as members of the CPP/NPA or other terrorist groups," the resolution said.
The CHR said that the smaller organizations may not even be aware of the ideological affiliations of their other members. The government has been urged not to take "shortcuts" or operate beyond the legal framework because to do so would only prove that the state is violent and only achieves justice through counter-violence.
"The Commission does not condone violence, whether committed by state or non-state actors. It merely emphasizes the duty of the state to respect the civil and political rights of its citizens, especially as they fight for their economic and social well-being," it explained.
The CHR said that extra-judicial killings would never be acceptable, nor are enforced disappearances, torture, or other kinds of human rights violations against citizens and HRDs.