CHR to gov’t: Help typhoon victims instead of giving divisive remarks

Commission on Human Rights’ official logo. (Photo from CHR website)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Wednesday that this is “not the time for divisive remarks or maligning of efforts of humanitarian providers” as it urged the government to upscale humanitarian assistance to victims of Typhoon Ulysses.

The CHR’s Center for Crisis, Conflict, and Humanitarian Protection reminded the government of its responsibility to victims of the typhoon and encouraged it to prioritize providing immediate assistance to the public rather than infighting.

“In times of natural calamities, the government has the primordial responsibility of protecting its people and providing immediate assistance to its constituents,” the commission said in a statement.

“This is not the time for divisive remarks or maligning of efforts of humanitarian providers that effectively respond to the needs of the people. The government must act as one to be of best assistance to communities affected by different disasters and calamities,” it added.

The   statement came a week after President Rodrigo Duterte accused Vice President Leni Robredo of “competing” with him in aiding affected communities at the height of the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses.

The CHR then called on concerned government agencies “to upscale its humanitarian assistance to displaced communities and address the needs of IDPs (internally displaced persons) after the typhoon and effects of the pandemic.”

It further stated that the displacement of communities affected by typhoon Ulysses renders them more vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Evacuation sites are oftentimes cramped, and without considerable space for social distancing. On top of the overcrowded evacuation center, internally-displaced persons encounter water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues. In programming relief assistance, hygiene kits, masks, and other supplies are usually not included,” added CHR.

The CHR recommended the identification of more evacuation centers to make the limiting of families per site possible to ensure that physical distancing is being observed.

It also highlighted the importance of assessing the area and structure of evacuation shelters.

“In the aftermath of typhoon Ulysses, some of the designated evacuations were also flooded. Thus, authorities must ensure that a risk assessment of the identified sites must be conducted in selecting evacuation centers,” the commission said.

“In addition, local governments must also monitor the health of IDPs within their jurisdiction, given their increased vulnerability to COVID-19,” it added. Zac Sarao, INQUIRER.net trainee

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