AFP, CHR sign MOU on human rights work

MANILA, Philippines—The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together in respecting human rights.

The MOU, signed on Friday (March 12), provided that the AFP and CHR will work on education, training and advocacy, the AFP said in a statement.

Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, of AFP Human Rights Office, said the agreement would “foster increased education and training, information sharing and referral of cases.”

The agreement, Nacnac said, would also improve monitoring and reporting of cases of human rights violations and “solidify coordination” to prevent human rights abuses.

“The cooperation between the AFP and the CHR on the latter’s clearance system will surely benefit military officers who will undergo confirmation before the Commission on Appointments,” he added.

The AFP and CHR were expected to participate in dialogues, focus group discussions and other forms of engagement related to human rights issues.

The MOU will replace the La Breza Declaration on Human Rights Cooperation signed in 2012, to make coordination between the AFP and CHR part a part of the institution.

TSB