The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) batted for the passage into law of a bill that would address the needs of women detained in jails to take care of their infants and their unique health concerns.
In a statement, the CHR cited House Bill No. 402 (HB 402)on the proposed "Dignity of Women Deprived of Liberty Act" that would address the vulnerabilities of women who are persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
"As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we recognize the distinct needs of these women, particularly as mothers, and emphasize the importance of providing the necessary services and interventions to support them," the CHR said.
HB 402 was filed by Reps. Arlene D. Brosas, Adrian Michael A. Amatong, France L. Castro, and Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, who took into consideration the rights of female PDLs and came up with the development of specific action-oriented initiatives and recommendations based on their needs.
The bill would mandate the women PDLs' right to health care, right to stay with their infant children in infirmaries inside correctional facilities, right against punishment by close confinement or disciplinary segregation, right to education and information, and right to legal assistance in filing complaints, among other things.
As an advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, or the Bangkok Rules in the country, the CHR said it is looking forward to the passage of HB No. 402 in order to effectively protect and promote the rights of women PDLs in line with international human rights standards.
"The Commission hopes that this initiative will pave for the implementation of more policies and initiatives that will be beneficial to the welfare of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), while paying attention to the specific needs of women," it said.
"To this end, CHR will continue to advocate for progressive measures which promote a just system that prioritizes equal treatment and protection for all, including the rights of PDLs," it added.