The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 77 that established the Inter-Agency Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IAC-IHL) with broader responsibilities to protect citizens particularly before, during, and after armed conflicts.

The committee, headed jointly by the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), was issued in November 2024 "to advise and assist relevant government authorities in implementing, developing, and raising public awareness regarding IHL.

In a statement, the CHR said it fully supports the committee as it pointed out that the IHL is "indispensable" in preventing and addressing grave violations, such as attacks on civilian populations, recruitment of children, destruction of essential infrastructure, and obstruction of humanitarian efforts.

"As a permanent observer, CHR reiterates its commitment to support this initiative and to work in solidarity with government institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that the committee serves as an effective platform for coordination, education, and accountability," it said.

"Notably, CHR also welcomes the inclusive nature of the committee's mandate, which recognizes the importance of consulting concerned sectors, particularly when decisions affect vulnerable and marginalized groups," it added.

Among its various responsibilities, the committe "serves as a focal point for coordination and cooperation both within the Philippine government and with external partners on IHL promotion and compliance before, during and after wars or armed conflicts."

It also monitors "compliance of agencies with IHL and report violations thereof to relevant authorities."

"The Commission looks forward to actively engaging in the committee’s work and reiterates its call to further strengthen legal, institutional, and policy frameworks that promote both domestic and international human rights standards in the Philippines," the CHR said.

The other members of the IAC-IHL are the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Commission on Higher Education, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, and the Philippine Human Rights Committee Secretariat.