The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for including the hijab, a Muslim headscarf, in the uniform of its female Muslim personnel.

CHR Commissioner Karen S. Gomez Dumpit, Focal Commissioner on Women’s Right, said the wearing of hijab is a Muslim woman’s expression of religion and free expression.

“The new policy of the PCG fulfills the mandate in the Magna Carta of Women providing for the recognition and respect of the ‘rights of Moro women to practice, promote, protect, and preserve their own cultures, traditions, and institutions,'" Dumpit said.

She urged the PCG to adopt policies that would protect Muslim women and ensure that they do not suffer from any form of discrimination while wearing their hijabs.

"The inclusion of the hijab in their uniform would only be able to attain the objectives of fulfilling their rights and respecting their religion and culture in an enabling environment," she stressed.

At the same time, the CHR called on other government agencies as well as private institutions to adopt similar policies that would accommodate the religious and personal expression of Muslim women.

In doing so, Dumpit said people will be able to foster mutual respect and appreciation among cultures and religions, which are important building blocks for a harmonious society.

Last Feb. 1, the CHR joined in the celebration of the 2022 “World Hijab Day.”

“This international celebration, celebrated annually on the 1st of February, coincides with the first day of the World Interfaith Week,” the CHR posted on its social media account.

Muslim women wear headscarves and veils in the form of “hijabs,” “burkas,” and “niqabs.” Sadly, some people relate those items of clothing as symbols of oppression, terrorism, and lack of freedom, the CHR said.

Instead of discriminating women who wear hijabs, the CHR urged Filipinos to deepen their understanding of different faiths in promotion of culture, respect, and peace.