The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the government anew to give full protection to the country’s street children who are subjected to forced labor, physical and sexual abuse, prostitution, and early pregnancy.
It specifically pointed out the abuses committed against street children who violate health protocols, like curfew, imposed during modified or enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The call was reiterated by the CHR as it joined in the observance of the International Day for Street Children today, April 12.
It said the needs of street children are more pronounced at this time when the country is suffering from COVID-19 which has placed their health and safety at even more risks.
It pointed out that government agencies involved in the plight of street children must see to it that they get home safely at night and receive regular aid from their local governments.
Also, it stressed that street children and their mothers should find safety inside their own homes and are protected from domestic abuse.
"Mahalagang mabigyang diin din ang tumataas na bilang ng insidente ng pang-aabuso laban sa babae’t bata dulot ng iba’t ibang tensyo't problema sa loob ng bahay ngayong ipinagbabawal ang paglabas, at tumataas rin ang insidente ng pagmamalabis laban sa mga batang lumalabag sa ipinapatupad na curfew, (It is also important to emphasize that the increasing number of incidents of abuse against women and children caused by various tensions and problems at home especially now that going out is restricted, as well as the increasing incidence of abuse against children who are caught violating the enforced curfew)," the CHR also said in its Twitter account.
"Kailangang masigurong may mga matatakbuhang ligtas na lugar ang mga batang ito para sa kanilang proteksyon, (These children need to have safe places to run to for their protection)," it said.
In its Advisory on Handling of Children in Street Situation (CISS) in Times of National Health Emergency issued last year, the CHR stressed that institutionalization should be a measure of last resort.
But it said that because of the pandemic, the government has been prompted to take that measure. So in providing accommodation for street children, it placed emphasis on protection rather than punishment.
It pointed out that the use of police lock-up or other detention cells to accommodate children, owing to lack of alternative care facilities, is simply not acceptable.
The CHR has already urged local governments to deputize their respective Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) to handle CISS cases.
Aside from giving them food and lodging, the CHR said that the CISS must have access to free basic health care services, including sexual and reproductive health services.
At the same time, they should be given education and formation programs while staying at the shelter, it added.