CHR hails law protecting children from armed conflict 

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed the enactment of the law protecting children displaced by armed conflict, saying it would boost children’s rights and welfare.

“The signing into law of the Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection for Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act is a big boost to advancing children’s rights and welfare,” CHR spokeswoman Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act on January 10, 2019.

The new law seeks to extend protection to children, who become victims of armed conflict, from all forms of abuse, violence, neglect, cruelty, discrimination and other conditions “prejudicial to their development, taking into considerations their gender, cultural, ethnic and religious background.”

CHR explained that war and conflict may “leave permanent scars” on children which they could “carry throughout their lifetime.”

READ: Protection of children in armed conflict bill now a law 
“Under ordinary circumstances, children are already vulnerable given that they are still in their formative years and susceptible to influence and harm from their immediate context,” de Guia said. / gsg