The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its training in Congress on human rights-based approach in lawmaking and policymaking processes.

In a statement, the CHR said the training at the House of Representatives started last June 17 and will wind up tomorrow, June 19. From June 24 to 26, the training will be conducted at the Senate, it also said.

The specialized training on Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to Legislation and Governance is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive and unified application of HRBA across both legislative chambers, it added.

The CHR said through the program, participants from key legislative offices and partner institutions are able to engage in substantive discussions on how human rights standards and frameworks can guide the formulation, review, and implementation of laws.

Through this initiative, the CHR underscores the importance of legislation that not only complies with international human rights obligations but also actively promotes dignity, equality, and participation, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized, it said.

At the same time, the CHR said the training also provides an opportunity for the commission to highlight the importance of passing the CHR Charter Bill which seeks to further expand its mandate in advancing the human rights agenda. The bill was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress.

It expressed hopes that with the support from the legislative branch, the commission can fully fulfill its role as the nation’s watchdog, advocate, and educator on human rights.

“By integrating human rights norms and standards into our legislative processes, we ensure that the principles of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, transparency, human dignity, empowerment, and the rule of law are not mere ideals on paper, but lived realities for every Filipino,” said Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc.

Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights, cited the importance of human rights in lawmaking.

Abante encouraged his fellow lawmakers to remain steadfast in their commitment to human rights, as this impacts the most marginalized sectors of society.

He declared: “Let us institutionalize participation so that those most affected by our laws have a seat at the table. Let us demand accountability so that power is never unchecked. Let us reject discrimination in all its forms. Let us uphold transparency, because democracy dies in darkness. Let us affirm human dignity, because each life is sacred.”