PH rights agency outlines steps for better human rights policy

The constitutional Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday urged the administration to heed the concluding observations of the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the situation in the country and to push for measures that would strengthen human rights mechanisms here.

In a statement, CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc said the UN expert panel’s recommendations were “consistent” with several long-standing recommendations by the state rights watchdog, especially in terms of demanding accountability for all alleged violations committed in the country.

“The [report] is best viewed as an objective assessment of the country’s strides, but also a strong reminder of the commitments of the government where it falls short,” Palpal-latoc said.

Among others, the CHR called on the Marcos administration to pass the long-overdue CHR charter, which would strengthen the watchdog’s work as an independent and credible national human rights institute compliant to the Paris Principles.

It also reminded the Palace that the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions is expecting an open and transparent process on the appointment of the other commissioners for the sixth en banc.

“It is in the advantage of the government if there would be an issuance in the form of an executive decree or legislation that will highlight the existence of an open, transparent, consultative and participative process as we await the remaining appointments to the CEB (Commission en banc),” he added. INQ

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