CHR backs Senate bill protecting rights of out-of-school youth

Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed the filing of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2633, which aims to recognize, protect, and promote the rights of out-of-school youth.

Citing SB 2633, CHR said the Magna Carta of the Out-of-School Youth, is designed to provide education, job opportunities, and access to social interventions to individuals aged 15 to 30 who are not in school, not working, and have not finished their studies.

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“The Commission applauds the creation of SB 2633 for providing opportunities to empower the Filipino youth and to encourage initiatives which highlight their role in the enrichment of society,” CHR said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This aligns with Article II, Section 13 of the Constitution as it recognizes the youth’s role in nation-building, as well as promotes and protects their overall well-being,” it added.

Moreover, CHR said the bill offers vocational and other training programs to provide out-of-school youth with the skills they can utilize in public and civic activities.

It added that the bill complies with United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, safeguarding their rights to education, protection, and participation.

“We urge the passage of SB 2633 as it will pave the way for the empowerment of young Filipinos,” CHR said.

The agency also trusts the bill is essential in assuring all youth have equal chances to succeed in society.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada filed SB 2633, which is still pending in the committee as of last April. — Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, INQUIRER.net intern