The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called on government law enforcers and persons engaged in local armed conflicts to adhere to the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the law of armed conflict or law of war.

The IHL mandates rules that seek to protect those who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restrict the means and methods of warfare.

The Philippines is not involved in any international armed conflicts. There are sporadic armed conflicts involving the country’s regular armed forces and armed dissidents, or armed groups fighting each other.

Given that conflict situations are evolving and becoming more complex with the continuous rise of technological advancements and new modes of warfare, the CHR said the country needs to recognize the importance of the IHL.

It called on the government, policymakers, and non-government partners to adapt the implementation of IHL to local contexts while also ensuring stronger enforcement.

“Such action must include strict application of the law, prosecution of violators, and enhanced training for military and police personnel,” the CHR said.

The CHR’s call was issued with the observance of IHL Month this month with the theme “Galvanizing Commitment to International Humanitarian Law: Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region.”

It noted that the Philippines is currently hosting the four-day Asia Pacific Regional Conference on IHL that started last August 11 in Makati City.

The gathering is spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and joined by the Department of National Defense (DND).

The CHR said the regional conference on IHL is an “important opportunity” for the country to strengthen its role as a champion of IHL, especially in addressing emerging challenges, such as cyber operations, and autonomous weapons systems.

“The Commission also commends the active commitment demonstrated by the national and local governments, and their departments, bureaus, and agencies, in advancing the IHL,” it also said.

Positive steps, the CHR said, include the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on IHL through Executive Order No. 77 issued on Nov. 22, 2024 and the participation of over 600 uniformed and civilian personnel in capacity-building activities, workshops, and roundtable discussions on IHL from January to June 2025.

It also cited the enactment of key legislations upholding IHL, including Republic Act (RA) No. 9851, An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, and RA No. 11188, the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act.

The CHR said: “Looking ahead, the Commission urges the government to reassess the situation of persons displaced by armed conflicts. Protection is only one step. Ensuring access to basic needs, restoring livelihoods, and safeguarding dignity are equally critical.”

It pointed out that making humanity prevail in the midst of conflict is a shared responsibility.

“The CHR calls for full accountability from all parties in upholding IHL, so that justice and protection become realities for every civilian affected by armed conflict,” it said.