CHR: Mind people’s rights in Kaliwa Dam project

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MANILA, Philippines — In creating solutions to the water supply problem gripping parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the government should be mindful of the rights of others, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Thursday.

“In finding a resolution to this problem, we hope that ways forward would always be mindful of the rights of others, such as those of IP (indigenous people) communities in developing dams, and would always to the benefit of the majority of Filipinos,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

De Guia made the statement as the government stressed the importance of the construction of the China-funded Kaliwa Dam in Quezon province. The government said the dam project would be a big help following the water supply shortage in the concession areas of Manila Water in the eastern part of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

READ: Water supply shortage? China-funded Kaliwa Dam would ‘absolutely’ help, says Dominguez

However, environmental groups have asked the President to stop the construction of the P19-billion dam in the Sierra Madre mountains, as it would displace communities in Quezon and Rizal provinces.

READ: Stop P19-B Kaliwa Dam, groups urge Duterte

While urging caution in the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, the CHR urged the government to speed up immediate and long-term solutions to the water problem.

The Kaliwa and the bigger Laiban Dam projects are key long-term solutions issues of water security for Metro Manila.

“Water plays a crucial role in human life. Part of sustaining life is its role in nourishing, as well as ensuring that we achieve the highest attainable standard of health and living through sufficient, safe, and accessible water,” De Guia said.

“We too should equally recognize the role of businesses, such as water companies, in helping realize human rights due to their capacity to shape how we enjoy our rights; thereby, making them duty-bearers as well,” she added. /cbb

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