The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has undersored the health and environmental benefits that would be derived from the rehabilitation and restoration of the San Juan River initiated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The rehabilitation and restoration of the San Juan River will be done to revitalize the river ecosystem, improve water quality, and promote sustainable environmental practices.
With the MMDA taking the lead for the project, the CHR said that the government is making a "collective and tangible commitment" to create a more just, safe, and sustainable environment for all Filipinos.
In a statement, the CHR said: "The significance of this initiative resonates with the interconnectedness of environmental preservation and human rights, both fundamental pillars of sustainable development,"
It said "a healthy and sustainable environment is an indispensable prerequisite for safeguarding the well-being and dignity of individuals. In recognition of this critical linkage, the Commission embarked on a National Inquiry on Climate Change, delving into the ramifications of environmental issues on the human rights of Filipinos."
It cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which protects the right to life and a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, rights from which the right to a healthy environment can be inferred.
It also said the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) also stated that the right to health embraces a wide range of socio-economic factors [including] access to safe and potable water and adequate sanitation, safe and healthy working conditions, and a healthy environment.
"We believe that by conserving natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change, we not only protect the rights of current times, but also contribute to the creation of an environment that supports the rights and well-being of future generations," the CHR said.