The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has cited Basilan province for enacting an ordinance to protect human rights defenders.
In a statement, the CHR said the ordinance -- "Basilan Province Human Right Defenders Protection Ordinance" -- is the first-ever local legislation by any provincial government that is specifically dedicated to the protection of human rights defenders.
It said the ordinance provides a clear definition of who qualifies as a human rights defender, enabling the provincial government to better identify individuals or groups entitled to protection.
It also said the ordinance outlines the obligations of duty-bearers to ensure that the fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders are safeguarded, and that they are provided a secure environment in which they can carry out their work without fear of arbitrary arrest or enforced disappearance.
At the same time, it noted that the ordinance covers a comprehensive enumeration of rights that the constituents of Basilan may exercise, which includes the right to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, the right to form groups, and the right to receive and utilize resources, among other things.
"The CHR commends the provincial government for its proactive engagement with civil society through meaningful consultations, which reflects the spirit of cooperation between the government and its constituents in the development of this ordinance," the CHR said.
"We view this positive development as a potential catalyst for similar local legislation across the country, with the aim of fostering a more conducive environment for human rights protection at the grassroots level," it added.
The CHR expressed hopes that other local governments will take a cue from Basilan and explore the possibility of enacting similar laws, since the work of human rights defenders is crucial in upholding the dignity of the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalized sectors of society.
The province, for its part, drew inspiration from Isabela City which pioneered the passage of the Philippines’ first local Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Ordinance in April 2023.