Police line (File photo by SCOTT OLSON / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) asked the government on Tuesday to take immediate and decisive action against perpetrators responsible for killing and sexually exploiting young girls in the country.
It also sought comprehensive measures to prevent such atrocities from happening again and to protect the rights and well-being of all children.
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“Ultimately, the Commission believes that eradicating violence and exploitation against children requires a collective commitment from all sectors of society,” the CHR said in a statement.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting and upholding the rights of all, particularly children, and to ensure a community that values life, respect, and dignity for all members of it,” it added.
CHR’s call is in relation to the two recent cases of killing and abuse of underage girls.
The first case involved a Grade 2 pupil who had been discovered dead inside a sack in a secluded part of Barangay Conel in General Santos city last March 13.
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There was also a suspicion that the victim was raped and beaten before she died, the CHR noted.
Meanwhile, the other case involved a woman who allegedly used her kids, who are aged eight, 11 and 13, for online sex exploitation.
Local authorities were able to find various materials used to sexually victimize the children and their other younger relatives, the commission observed.
“The CHR expresses profound denouncement of these despicable incidents. We emphasize that the protection and promotion of the rights of girls and children are essential components of fostering a just and equitable community,” it said.
The commission also cited Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which says that “States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.”