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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Give human rights defenders added legal protection -- CHR

Give human rights defenders added legal protection -- CHR

Published Mar 23, 2021 10:55 am

The rising incidents of threats, attacks and other hostilities against human rights defenders (HRDs) call for the immediate passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said.

Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)
Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN)

Under House Bill No. 9199 which had been elevated to the Senate, HRDs will have a concrete legal protection and mechanism to continue being steadfast even as they face “relentless challenges on many fronts,” the CHR said in a statement.

House Bill No. 9199 is a consolidation of two separate bills filed by Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate and Edcel Lagman.

It is anchored on the constitutional provision that “the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.”

Through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, the CHR considered the immediate passage of the bill as “high priority” in the protection of the country’s human rights workers.

Should the bill be enacted into law, De Guia said the increasing attacks, threats, and the general climate of hostility faced by HRDs and advocates would hopefully be put to a stop.

"We echo the recent statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms. Mary Lawlor, stressing that the bill shall concretely show our country's commitment to human rights obligations," De Guia said.

"Passing the bill will demonstrate our government's recognition of the essential work of the human rights defenders," she stressed.

She also pointed out that upholding the welfare of HRDs and advocates will enable them to deliver their best work for the vulnerable sectors of society, which they serve.

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