CHR launches online legal aid service

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has formally launched an e-lawyering service that seeks to provide real-time legal advice amid the quarantine restrictions being imposed by the government in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The CHR launched the Human Rights – E-Lawyering Service (HR-ELS) on Thursday, in time for the observance of the International Human Rights Day.

The program will be implemented in partnership with the Office of Legal Aid of the University of the Philippines College of Law.

CHR Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana said the program has the potential to make legal services more accessible to the marginalized sectors of society.

“With your spirit of volunteerism and passion, we, together, the CHR and the UP-OLA students can make a difference in the lives of PWDs, OFWs, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, LGBTQs, women and children, and other people out there who are marginalized and who would not be able to walk through our doors as of now, and who would also be fearful and scared to do so,” she said during the launch. Excerpts of her message were shared with the media on Friday.

Meanwhile. Atty. Ona Caritos, Project Head of HR-ELS, urged those with human rights concerns to avail of the service.

The public may get in touch with the CHR through the following hotlines and online platforms:

National Capital Region
[email protected]

(0919) 444 7720 (Smart)

CHR Investigation Office
(0963) 660 1364 (Globe)
(0927) 328 2835 (Globe)
(0961) 451 2426 (Smart)
(0950) 369 9026 (Talk N’ Text)

CHR Legal Division
[email protected]

(0961) 450 8590 (Smart)
(0961) 451 2424 (Smart)
(0961) 450 8568 (Smart)

CHR Public Assistance and Complaints Desk
[email protected]

(0936) 068 0982 (Globe)
(0920) 506 1194 (Smart)

RELATED STORIES:

Obligation to protect human rights more pressing amid COVID-19 pandemic

Gender-related violence during lockdown? Report it to CHR online

Online sexual harassment on the rise, says CHR

/MUF