The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is an independent constitutional office in the Philippines, established in 1987 to investigate human rights violations and protect the rights of all Filipinos, both within the country and abroad.
The commission has a broad mandate to investigate civil and political rights violations, provide legal aid and protection, monitor government compliance with international treaties, and recommend measures to Congress to promote these principles and compensate victims.
As an “A” accredited National Human Rights Institution, the CHR upholds principles of independence, pluralism, transparency, and accessibility in carrying out its duties.
The commission prioritizes serving marginalized and vulnerable groups such as women, children, the poor, persons with disabilities, and those affected by conflict and disasters.
Through its specialized programs and partnerships, the commission works to foster a just and humane society where all individuals can live with dignity and have their rights respected.
Overview: CHR
The Commission on Human Rights is an independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) established under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
It was founded on May 5, 1987, through Executive Order No. 163. The commission is tasked with investigating civil rights violations, particularly those affecting marginalized and vulnerable sectors.
Mandate and Accreditation
The CHR is an “A” accredited NHRI, fully complying with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1995.
As an NHRI, the commission upholds six fundamental characteristics: independence, pluralism, broad mandate, transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The Commission is committed to providing prompt, responsive, accessible, and excellent public service for the protection and promotion of civil rights according to universal principles and standards.
History of the CHR
The commission was created in response to the atrocities committed during Martial Law.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly Article XIII on Social Justice and Human Rights, clearly defined the creation of the Commission.
Executive Order No. 163 declared the CHR’s existence, emphasizing its mandate to protect and promote civil rights.
Functions of the CHR
Under Section 18, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution, the commission has several key functions:
- Investigate all forms of violations involving civil and political rights.
- Adopt operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt in accordance with the Rules of Court.
- Provide legal measures for the protection of civil rights of all persons within the Philippines and Filipinos residing abroad, including preventive measures and legal aid services.
- Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
- Establish programs of research, education, and information to enhance respect for civil rights.
- Recommend effective measures to Congress to promote civil rights and provide compensation to victims of violations.
- Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance with international civil rights treaties.
- Grant immunity from prosecution to individuals whose testimony or evidence is necessary for investigations.
- Request assistance from any government department, bureau, office, or agency.
- Appoint officers and employees in accordance with the law.
- Perform other duties and functions as provided by law.
Vision, Mission, and Mantra
Vision
A just and humane Philippine society where all persons have equal opportunities, live with dignity, and remain vigilant against abuses and oppression.
Mission
As the conscience of the government and the people, the commission seeks the truth in human rights issues and works to prevent civil rights violations. It aims to make people aware of their rights and guide the government and society towards actions that respect the rights of all, especially the disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable.
Mantra
CHR ng LAHAT: Naglilingkod maging sino ka man.
CHR’s Core Responsibilities
The CHR’s core responsibilities are divided into three major functional areas:
Human Rights Protection
Investigate and manage cases of such violations. Provide legal protection and aid, including preventive measures and legal aid services. Exercise visitorial powers over detention facilities.
Human Rights Promotion
Implement strategies for policy advocacy, promotion, social mobilization, education, training, public information, and communication. Conduct research, networking, and linkages to enhance respect for civil rights.
Human Rights Policy Advisory
Monitor the government’s compliance with international treaties. Translate international standards into national policies, laws, and practices. Provide recommendations to Congress on effective measures to promote civil rights and compensate victims.
Services Offered by the CHR
Investigation of Human Rights Violations
The commission investigates all forms of human rights violations, either on its own or based on complaints from any party.
Legal Assistance and Advice
The agency provides free legal advice and counseling on various concerns, including preparation of pleadings and issuance of endorsement letters.
Human Rights Promotion and Education
The commission establishes continuing programs of research, education, and information to enhance respect for civil rights.
Monitoring Government Compliance
The agency monitors the Philippine government’s compliance with international treaties.
Policy Advisory
The commission provides recommendations to Congress on promoting civil rights and compensating victims of violations.
Visitorial Powers
The agency exercises visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities.
Handling Complaints
The CHR investigates complaints of civil rights violations involving civil and political rights.
Specialized Programs and Services
The commission offers specialized programs and services focused on human rights protection, promotion, and policy advisory, including:
Human Rights Protection Services
Documentation and management of complaints. Monitoring of these conditions in detention facilities. Provision of independent forensics and medico-legal services.
Human Rights Promotion Services
Development of civil rights education and training programs. Implementation of advocacy campaigns. Research, documentation, and publications.
Human Rights Policy Advisory Services
Issuance of human rights advisories, position papers, and statements on legislation and government practices. Formulation of policy guidelines and implementing rules. Independent reports on the government’s implementation of treaties.
Specialized/Thematic Human Rights Programs
Child Rights Center. Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights. Center for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Center for Crisis, Conflict, and Humanitarian Protection.
Focus on Marginalized Groups
The commission prioritizes serving marginalized groups such as women, children, youth, persons deprived of liberty, indigenous peoples, workers, internally displaced persons, persons living in poverty, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and those with diverse SOGIE.
Partnerships
The agency works in partnership with government agencies, local governments, educational institutions, and civil society groups to promote and protect civil rights.
Video: CHR | Mandato ng Commission on Human Rights
Article 2, Section 11 of the Philippine Constitution emphasizes the state’s duty to protect human dignity and rights, leading to the establishment of agencies like the Philippine National Police, Department of Health, Social Security System, and more to ascertain that citizens’ rights are safeguarded.
These agencies play an essential role in upholding the rights of every Filipino, with the Commission on Human Rights serving as a vital check and balance, monitoring and advocating for civil rights across governmental branches.
Conclusion
The Commission on Human Rights plays a major role in protecting and promoting these rights in the Philippines.
Through its comprehensive mandate, the commission addresses these violations, provides legal assistance, promotes relevant education, and advises on policy.
The commission ’s efforts are important in fostering a just and humane society where all individuals can live with dignity and respect.