The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed “deep concern” on reports that more than 11.6 million of 23 million Filipino children 14 years old and below experienced “violent discipline” in their homes in 2022.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dec. 13, the CHR cited the recent findings of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that showed “an alarming statistics that underscore the deeply ingrained culture of violence affecting many Filipino children.”
It said the UNICEF's report shows that, “in 2022, three in five children --or nearly 60 percent of one- to 14-year-olds in the Philippines --experienced at least one form of ‘violent discipline.’”
“Furthermore, 11.6 million children, or more than 50 percent of this age group, reported experiencing physical aggression; 9.1 million, or 39 percent, were subjected to physical punishment; while nearly 800,000, or 3.4 percent, suffered ‘severe’ physical punishment,” the CHR said also citing the report.
It said “this pervasive cycle of violence is compounded by high rates of child abuse, school bullying, child labor, and early marriage, which further highlight the widespread vulnerabilities faced by Filipino children.”
The CHR pointed out: “The UNICEF report unveils a troubling reality: many children are subjected to violent discipline—a practice we must urgently put to an end. In light of these findings, we call on the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize child protection in both policy and practice.
It cited that Article XV, Section 3(2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms that “the State shall defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.”
It also cited that Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) mandates State Parties to “take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social, and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment, or exploitation, including sexual abuse.”
Thus, the CHR reiterated its call for “the immediate passage of the Magna Carta of Children Bill.”
It said the proposed legislation would strengthen the monitoring mechanisms and ensure the effective implementation of the UNCRC in the country.
The CHR was referring to Senate Bill 2612 and House Bill 10159 that would ensure the protection of children in the country.
“No child should grow up in a world where violence and fear overshadow love and peace,” it stressed.