Schools must be safe space for students, not venue for abuse, says CHR

Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Thursday that incidents of abuse should not happen in schools as these can adversely affect children’s development and their dignity.

According to the CHR, schools must be safe spaces for students and should nurture children.

READ: DepEd to investigate teacher for allegedly hitting 3 students in Pampanga

“Abuse of any kind–whether it be verbal, physical, or emotional–compromises children’s basic rights and sense of dignity. Such behaviors can damage the educational environment designed to foster and grow young minds and may cause lasting psychological harm,” the CHR said in its statement.

“Educational institutions are expected to consistently uphold the highest standards of child protection,” it added.

The CHR made the statement after an incident in Lubao, Pampanga where a teacher hit three Grade 9 students with her hand.

The incident was caught on video which made rounds on social media.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education said that it has formed a team to probe the incident.

READ: No learning gap expected after school year adjustment, assures DepEd

“In line with our monitoring mandate, CHR shall closely track the development of this case,” the CHR added.