12/16/2020 Re-Examining the

Philippine Commission
on Human Rights

Magno, Emely R.
MLQU SCHOOL OF LAW

SUBMITTED TO:

JUDGE CARLO VILLARAMA

“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are

threatened.”― John F. Kennedy

Human Rights is the aggregate of privileges, claims, benefits, entitlements and

moral guarantees that pertain to man because of his humanity. It is a system of values or

elements which are inherent to human dignity. Human person possesses rights because

of the very fact that it is a person, a whole, master of itself and of its acts and which

consequently is not merely a reason to an end but an end which must be treated as such.

It is a connection between a human person and his possession of his rights - any human

society if it is to be well ordered and productive must lay down as a foundation the

principle that ever human being is a person, and that his nature is endowed with

intelligence and full will.1 The foundation of international human rights law is the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights. It was adopted in 1948 which inspired a rich body of legally

binding international human rights treaties. It continues to be an inspiration to us all

whether in addressing injustices, in times of conflicts, in societies suffering repression,

and in our efforts towards achieving universal enjoyment of human rights. It represents

the universal recognition that basic rights and fundamental freedoms are inherent to all

human beings, inalienable and equally applicable to everyone, and that every one of us

is born free and equal in dignity and rights regardless of nationality, place of residence,

gender, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status2.

1
Sarmiento, 2014.Human Rights Law, Human rights Culture. Rex Printing Co., Inc.
2
https://www.un.org/en/sections/universal-declaration/foundation-international-human-rights-
law/index.html#:~:text=They%20set%20forth%20everyday%20rights

1
 The Philippines is a party to these international treaties. As a party State, it

assumes obligations and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfill

human rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from interfering

with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to protect requires States

to protect individuals and groups against human rights abuses. The obligation to fulfill

means that States must take positive action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human

rights.3

The Philippines, as a party-state to these treaties undertakes to put into place

domestic measures and legislation compatible with their treaty obligations and duties.

Thus, the domestic legal system provides the principal legal protection of human rights

guaranteed under international law. Where domestic legal proceedings fail to address

human rights abuses, mechanisms and procedures for individual and group complaints

are available at the regional and international levels to help ensure that international

human rights standards are indeed respected, implemented, and enforced at the local

level.4

The Philippine Commission on Human Rights

In response to the atrocities committed during the Martial Law under the Marcos

regime, the Commission on Human Rights was created and imbued in the 1987

Constitution under Article XIII, Sec 17 on Social Justice and Human Rights during

President Corazon Aquino’s administration. The 1987 Philippine Constitution primarily

3
Ibid.
4
Ibid.

2
gave CHR the mandate to protect and promote the rights and dignity of every human

being in the country. By virtue of Executive Order No. 163, the Commission on Human

Rights (CHR) was created on May 5, 1987 as an independent National Human Rights

Institution (NHRI). The Commission is mandated to conduct investigations on human

rights violations against marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the society, involving civil

and political rights.5

In its decree to deliver prompt, responsive, accessible, and excellent public service

for the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with universal human

rights principles and standards, the Commission is empowered to investigate, on its own

or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and

political rights; to adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for

contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court; to provide

appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the

Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and

legal aid services to the under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need

protection. Moreover, it exercises visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention

facilities; establishes a continuing program of research, education, and information to

enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; recommends to Congress effective

measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of

violations of human rights, or their families; monitors the Philippine Government's

compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; grants immunity from

prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other

5
http://chr.gov.ph/about-us/

3
evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted

by it or under its authority; request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or

agency in the performance of its functions; appoint its officers and employees in

accordance with law; and perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by

law.6

Commission on Human Rights - 2016 Accomplishment Report

A. HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION SERVICES

Based on its 2016 Annual Report, the Commission received a total of 6,775

requests for protection services that includes investigation of complaints and legal

assistance. The Commission resolved 1,179 cases that include cases filed in previous

years based on the results of investigation. Of this number, 461 were settled for filing and

monitoring; 649 were closed/terminated/ or dismissed; 26 were archived; and 43 were

resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR). 7

A total of 18,358 complainants/victims of human rights violations and their families

were served by the Commission whereby 390 beneficiaries received financial assistance

that reached Php1,581,000. The total amount was distributed as survivor’s benefits,

medical assistance, and rehabilitation assistance wherein recipients are mostly persons

deprived of liberty (PDLs). Further, the Commission employed forensic procedures in 156

6
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/25/executive-order-no-292-book-vtitle-iisubtitle-a-commission-on-
human-rights/
7
(http://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CHR-ANNUAL-REPORT-2016

4
instances to include exhumation/autopsies, medico-legal examinations and medical

opinions in court hearings in aid of its independent investigation.8

Furthermore, the Commission conducted 1,580 jail visitations nationwide covering

more than 10,000 inmates of which 8,914 were provided legal assistance, in the exercise

of its visitorial powers. It also issued a total of 2,216 human rights clearances/

certifications to uniformed personnel and other government employees who were certified
9
with no pending case of human rights violations.

B. HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION SERVICES

The Commission, through the combined efforts of the central and regional offices,

conducted information and education activities like seminars/trainings especially for

priority sectors, such as the vulnerable groups, personnel in uniform, the general public,

and other significant sectors of society; orientation, lectures/talks, news/press releases,

press conferences, and other information dissemination activities. A total of 845

information and education activities were conducted by all regions covering 198

seminars/trainings, 341 lectures/talks, 176 orientations and 130 other information

dissemination activities covering various topics and relevant laws implementing the Child

Rights Convention (CRC), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

Against Women (CEDAW) particularly on domestic laws – Magna Carta of Women; Anti

– Torture Laws and implementing Rules and Regulations, International Humanitarian

Law; Trafficking in Persons and Others in 2016. Substantial and conventional human

rights events were also commemorated with the holding of appropriate activities to

8
Ibid.
9
I

5
advance national consciousness on the significance of human rights. Also, the

Commission released human rights media statements and materials disseminated to the

public to demonstrate its stand on various human rights issues and concerns. Among the

statements issued are the following: On the Special Invitation of the Philippines to the

Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; On the Creation

of a Presidential Task Force against Media Killings; On Anti-Drug Campaign; On the

Supreme Court Decision Regarding the Burial of the Remains of Ferdinand E. Marcos at

the Libingan ng mga Bayani; On the Death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa; CHR

condemns violent dispersal, will conduct investigation (Rally in front of the US Embassy);

On the Senate’s Inquiry on Extra Judicial Killings (EJKs); Uphold Women’s Rights, Stop

the Showing of alleged “sex video”; CHR Releases Kidapawan Report; On the beheading

of Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel by the Abu Sayyaf bandit group; On Rape –

joke case; and On the Alleged Irregularities in the Arrest of Lowell Menorca II. The

Commission also produced numerous education and campaign materials. 10

C. HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY ADVISORY SERVICES

In its mandate to recommend and provide appropriate and effective measures for

the promotion and protection of human rights, the Commission issued and disseminated

policy issuances in the form of advisories, position papers, resolutions and memoranda,

statements, treaty reports and human rights situationer reports.11

10
Ibid.
11
Ibid.

6
Human Rights Policy Advisories

The Commission issued the following human rights advisories to the government

agencies and institutions on its stand on national as well as local issues and concerns

impacting on human rights:

1. Advisory on the Expulsion of Students in Golden Heritage Polytechnic College by

Reason of their “No Love Affair” School Policy;

2. Advisory on the Re-imposition of Death Penalty;

3. Advisory on NHRIs for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI)

Inclusion in the Sustainable Development Goals;

4. Gender Ombud Advisory – Manila Standard Headline: Degrade, Demean, and

Discriminate CHR;

5. Gender Ombud Advisory - Uphold Women’s Rights, Stop the Showing of Alleged

Sex Video;

6. Advisory Calling Support for an Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence

and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI);

7. Advisory on the Ratification by the Philippine Government of the Optional Protocol

to the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR);

8. Advisory on the Enforcement of Curfew Ordinance Among Minors; and

9. Advisory on the Promotion of the Right to Work Vis-à-vis Accessibility Rights of

Persons with Disabilities.12

The Commission monitored the proposed measures by the Legislature with the

aim of ensuring compliance and consistency with human rights obligations, norms and

12
Ibid.

7
standards as part of its advisory services. In 2016, the Commission issued

comments/position papers on the following proposed bills and local issuances:

1. Position Paper on the Proposed Bills Strengthening the Commission on Human

Rights;

2. Position Paper on the Proposed Bill on Lowering of the Minimum Age of Criminal

Responsibility (MACR);

3. Position Paper on the Pending Bills on Anti-Discrimination on the Bases of Sexual

Orientation and or/Gender Identity;

4. Comments on the Proposed Ordinance Declaring Unlawful Acts and Conduct of

Discrimination Based on Sex, Gender Identity of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar;

Resolutions and Memoranda.13

The CHR issued Resolutions and/ or Memoranda enunciating policy advice on

human rights standards and norms, such as:

1. Resolution Adopting the CHR Memorandum for the Supreme Court on the CHR’s

Position on the Planned Burial of Former President Marcos at the Libingan ng Mga

Bayani;

2. CHR Memorandum for the Supreme Court as Amicus Curiae to the petition of

Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares Against the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on

the issues of family and citizenship;

3. Resolution on the Case of Farmers-Protesters’ Rally and their Dispersal in Kidapawan

City; and

4. Resolution on the Letter-Complaint on Rape Joke as a Violation of RA 9710, or

13
Ibid

8
Magna Carta of Women.14

Statements on Human Rights Issues

Also, the Commission released to the general public through the media its

statements to raise public awareness and mold public opinion on specific human rights

issues, such as:

1. Statement on the Invitation of the Philippines to the Special Rapporteur on

Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Execution;

2. CHR Calls for zero Tolerance on VAW: Challenge Leaders not to be Perpetrators but

to Lead Campaign against VAW;

3. Uphold Women’s Rights, Stop the Showing of Alleged “Sex Video”;

4. Statement on Violent Dispersal of Rallyists at the US Embassy;

5. Statement on the Alleged Irregularities in the Arrest of Lowell Menorca II;

6. Statement on the beheading of Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel by the Abu

Sayyaf;

7. Statement on the Use of Persons with Disability (PWD) Identification Card for the

Availment of Privileges and Incentives in Public Transportation;

8. Statement on the Right of Children on Alleged Shoplifting;

9. Commission on Human Rights Probes Violations of RH Law;

10.CHR issues Resolution on “rape-joke” case;

11.CHR releases Kidapawan Report;

12. Statement of Chairperson Chito Gascon on President Duterte’s Inauguration;

14
Ibid.

9
13. Statement on the Senate’s Inquiry on EJKs;

14. Statement on the death of Albuera Mayor Ronaldo Espinosa;

15. Statement of the Supreme Court decision regarding the burial of the remains of

Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani;

16. Statement on the Burial of the Remains of Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng

mga Bayani; and

17. Statement on the creation of a Presidential Task Force against Media Killings. 15

Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Reports

To supplement the reports of the government on the human rights situation in the

country as well as present the Commission’s own assessment, independent reports were

also submitted to the human rights bodies of the United Nations, to wit:

1. Comments in Relation to the Concluding Observations of the Committee on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR);

2. Comments on the Concluding Observations of the Committee Against Torture

(CAT);

3. Comments on the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Convention on

the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW);

4. CHR Intervention Presented during the 64th CEDAW Session;

5. Comments and Recommendations on the Philippine Report for Habitat III; and

6. Report on the Role of CHR as Gender Ombud presented to the Committee on Status

of Women.16

15
Ibid
16
Ibid.

10
Human Rights Situation Reports

Furthermore, the Commission also issued reports which tackled various thematic

issues and concerns that depicted the human rights conditions in the different parts of the

country, as follows:

1. 2016 HR Situation Report on Senior Citizens in the Philippines;

2. Report on National Inquiry on Reproductive Health;

3. HR Situation Report in Preparation for the Philippines’ 3rd UPR;

4. HR Situation Report on Children Deprived of Liberty;

5. HR Situation Report on Internally Displaced Persons in the Philippines;

6. Report on the State of National Penitentiaries in the Philippines;

7. CHR Annual Report on Human Rights Cases: 2015;

8. Human Rights in the Philippines: A Situationer;

9. HR Situation Report on Prison Conditions in Region 9; and

10. HR Situation of Women Detainees in Region III17

In addition, the Commission built partnerships with other government agencies and

institutions, as follows: MOA between COMELEC and CHR in relation to the 2016

National and Local Elections; CHR and UP Women’s Lawyers Circle (WILOCI) in relation

to the formulation of a national preventive mechanism against torture; MOA of CHR-

Region 1 and PNP-PRO1 on the investigation and monitoring of cases involving children

and women (EJK and other sensational cases); MOU with UP Clark on the establishment

of Center for Human Rights Education; 3-year Human Rights Development Plan with

17
Ibid.

11
Philippines-Australia Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility

(PAHRODF); and a statement on Human Rights and Agribusiness in Southeast Asia

containing the Petition for the Issuance of a Moratorium to Oil Palm Plantation Expansion

in the Province of Palawan as a result of the workshop conducted with the members of

the indigenous cultural communities, civil societies, farmers and

other residents.18

The Commission implemented as well, activities to align with ISO 9001:2015

standards its core, support and management processes under the technical guidance of

the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). These are the following:

Investigation and Case Management; Jail Visitation; Human Rights Promotion; Human

Rights Policy Advisory Services; and Management and Support processes. The four (4)

core processes are enrolled for ISO certification in 2016-2017.19

Activities on Differently-Abled and Senior Citizens

The following activities were undertaken by the CHR Particular to Differently-Abled

and Senior Citizens:

1. Issuance of a Human Rights Bulletin on the Use of Persons with Disability

(PWD) Identification Card for the Availment of Privileges and Incentives in Public

Transportation;

2. Conducted multi-sectoral workshop/forum on the Comprehensive AntiDiscrimination

Bill; developed a Primer on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities distributed during

18
Ibid.
19
Ibid.

12
the celebration of the National Disability Prevention Week, with the theme “Karapatan ng

May kapansanan, Isakatuparan… Now Na!”;

3. Launching of “The Global Appeal to End Stigma and Discrimination Against Persons

Affected by Leprosy”;

4. Lecture on the Rights of Children with Disability and orientation for persons with

disabilities held during the 38th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week;

5. Participation of the CHR Employees in the 20th Autism Consciousness Week

Celebration “Angels Walk for Autism”, with the theme “Onwards to an Autism – OK,

Philippines”, and hoisting of Tarpaulin celebrating the event to expose awareness,

acceptance and understanding by the general public of people with autism in society to

enable the people with autism to live life

productively with dignity and enjoy equality; and

6. Issuance of 2016 HR Situationer on Senior Citizens in the Philippines, disseminated

to all concerned agencies of government for them to be aware of the present conditions

of the senior citizens in the country and to improve the programs to address the needs

and privileges of the senior citizens.20

Activities on Gender and Development (GAD)

The CHR also promotes and protects women’s human rights through the

investigation of women’s human rights violations, provision of legal assistance, referral

for women and girl-children to other agencies and institutions, among others. In particular,

20
Ibid.

13
the CHR developed the Gender Ombud Guidelines which operationalizes its role as

Gender Ombud. It also issued the following policy issuances:

1. Advisory on the Expulsion of Students in Golden Heritage Polytechnic College by

Reason of their “No Love Affair” School Policy;

2. Gender Ombud Advisory – Manila Standard Headline: Degrade, Demean, and

Discriminate CHR; Gender Ombud Advisory - Uphold Women’s Rights, Stop the

Showing of Alleged Sex Video;

3. Resolution on the Letter-Complaint on Rape Joke as a Violation of RA 9710, or

Magna Carta of Women;

4. Position Paper on the Proposed Bill on Lowering of the Minimum Age of Criminal

Responsibility (MACR);

5. Position Paper on the Pending Bills on Anti-Discrimination on the Bases of Sexual

Orientation and or/Gender Identity; .

6. Advisory Calling Support for an Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence

and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (LGBTI);

7. Position Paper on the Pending Bills on Anti-Discrimination on the Bases of Sexual

Orientation and or/Gender Identity;

8. Statements on CHR Calls for zero Tolerance on VAW:

9. Challenge Leaders not to be Perpetrators but to Lead Campaign against VAW;

Uphold Women’s Rights, Stop the Showing of Alleged “Sex Video”; Comments on

the Concluding Observations of the Committee on the Convention on the

Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW);

10. CHR Intervention Presented during the 64th CEDAW Session; and

14
 11. Monitoring Report on the Implementation of Section 27 of the IRR of the Magna

Carta of Women: Public and Private Schools with Programs to Prevent Violence

Against Women.21

Moreover, the Commission works with other government agencies and relevant

inter-agencies in the implementation and monitoring of the Convention on the Elimination

of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Magna Carta of Women (MCW).22

D. DOCUMENTATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMPLAINTS

The Commission was able to generate significant number of complaints/ requests

using the improved Martus-based Executive Information System (MAREIS) for various

protection services received by each regional office including those taken on by the

Commission on its own (motu proprio and investigative monitoring) without the need for

a formal complaint.23

Based on the reports of the 6,775 complaints/ requests, 77% came from walk-in

complainants while 18% were motu proprio, 4% from investigative monitoring and three

(3) complaints were referred by the Barangay Human Rights Action Officers (BHRAO).

Mindanao region contributed 40% (2,689) of the total complaints/ requests documented,

followed by Luzon with 37% (2,539) and Visayas with 23% (1,547). At the regional level,

Region VII recorded the highest number of complaints/ requests documented with 914.

Other regions with high number of complaints/ requests received are regions IX and XII

21
Ibid.
22
Ibid.
23
Ibid.

15
with 836 each, while CAR and CARAGA registered the lowest number with 127 and 161,

respectively.24

Complaints Evaluated for Investigation

The Commission was able to generate a total of 1,612 HRV complaints based on

the data from MAREIS, classified according to specific rights. The table below shows the

various rights violated under civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights,

disaggregated as follows:25

Table 1. Human Rights Violation Complaints

Source:(http://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CHR-ANNUAL-REPORT-2016)

Victims and/or Complainants

The Commission recorded a total of 2,806 victims and/ or complainants for the

entire year. Most of the victims or complainants reported were male with 1,591

representing 57% of the total number of victims, while there were 38% or 1,062 female

victims or complainants. 26

24
Ibid.
25
Ibid
26
Ibid.

16
 Source:(http://chr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CHR-ANNUAL-REPORT-2016)

Extra-Judicial Killings

The total number of EJKs for the year 2016 based on the monitoring being

conducted by the Legal Office, is 530 cases with 674 victims. Out of the 530 cases, 509

were alleged EJK drug-related, with 608 victims. Of all the Regions, Region III has

recorded the most cases of EJKs with 97 Victims.27

Torture Cases

A total of 51 cases of torture happened during the period involving 72 victims. Out

of the 51 cases, five (5) do not have formal complaints and legal assistance / counselling

were provided. Region IV reported the most number of victims with 15.28

Gender-Based Violations

During 2016, the Commission recorded 578 gender related cases/complaints

involving 623 victims. Highly widespread complaints are violence against women and

27
Ibid,
28
Ibid.

17
children, child abuse, discrimination, psychological/emotional/physical abuse,

rape/sexual abuse/acts of lasciviousness, and harassment.29 Further, the Commission

documented a total of 46 complaints/ cases with 49 victims involving LGBT. Of the total

number of victims, 21 were lesbians; 20 were gays; 6 bisexuals; and 2 transgender. 30

Violations of Children’s Rights

On this year, there were a total number of 531 complaints/ cases involving children

with 653 victims including requests for assistance. Most complaints recorded were child

abuse cases, violence against children, and rape.31

Disposition of Human Rights Case

The Commission likewise resolved 1,179 cases which include cases filed in

previous years, and those settled by the regional offices. 55% of the resolved cases were

dismissed/closed/terminated; 39% for filing and monitoring in appropriate courts or

agencies for prosecution and/or administrative action; 3% were resolved through

alternative dispute resolution (ADR); and; 2% were archived.32

En Banc Case Resolutions

1. Resolution on the Motu Proprio Investigation on the Killing of Victor “Vic” R. Siman

et al. at Barangay Lumutan, Atimonan, Quezon on January 6, 2013

29
Ibid.
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.

18
 2. Resolution on the Letter-Complaint Against Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa

Duterte for Violations of Republic Act 9710, Otherwise Known as “Magna Carta of

Women” on May 20, 2016

3. Resolution on the Farmers-Protesters’ Rally and their Dispersal in Kidapawan City

on April 1, 201633

Persons Assisted

The Commission, in this year, provided various human rights assistance to a total

of 18,358 victims of human rights violations and their families through legal services and

financial aid. In addition, 390 beneficiaries received financial assistance amounting to Php

1,581,000. The total amount was distributed as survivor’s benefits, medical assistance,

and rehabilitation assistance.34

Monitoring of Jails/ Detention Centers

A total of 1,580 jail visitations were done by the commission all over the country

during this year, covering a total of 10,282 inmates of which 8,487 were male and 1,795

were female. Regions XII, IX, X, IV, I and III recorded the highest number of jail visitations

conducted. The Commission representative is tasked to observe the jail and prison

condition in accordance with the international and national human rights standards for the

treatment of prisoners, provide legal aid and counseling, and make recommendations to

proper authorities on its findings. In the same year, the Commission offered 8,914 legal

assistances to persons deprived of their liberty; although Region III is ranked 6th in the

33
Ibid.
34
Ibid.

19
number of jail visitation, it provided more than 28% (2,523) of the total number of

prisoners/ detainees given legal assistance. 35

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance worth PhP 1,581,000 has been distributed by the Commission

to victims of human rights violation. The amount was provided to 390 claimants who were

either individual victims themselves or their families. The highest number of claims

amounting to 1,001,000 or 63% of the total amount granted for the period were extended

to Region IX. 36

Forensic Services

The CHR Forensic Office examined physical evidences collected from the scene

of a crime or a person of interest in a crime to support the investigation of complaints of

human rights violations. During this year, the Office conducted 27 exhumations/autopsies,

104 medico-legal examinations, and 25 medical examinations.37

Issuance of Human Rights Clearance/ Certification

A total of 2,161 human rights clearances have been issued by the Commission to

different government agencies particularly to the uniformed personnel without human

rights violations. 56 uniformed personnel were found to have pending cases of human

rights violations in the course of verification.38

35
Ibid.
36
Ibid.
37
Ibid.
38
Ibid.

20
Conclusion/ Recommendations

Based on the reports, the Commission on Human Rights resolved only less than

20% from the total received human rights protection complaints in 2016. Few of these

human rights victims received minimal financial assistance from the government. The

Commission’s drive towards educating the public of their basic human rights and the

available protection services given by the Commission to victims, in different platforms,

promote awareness to more people in the country. Its extensive multi-sectoral advisories

in the media opened the eyes of the public in the human rights atmosphere in the society.

Reports likewise reveal that civil rights are on top of the most abused rights in the

country. The most affected areas are the male portion of the population which may be

connected to the escalating extra-judicial killings mostly attributed to drug-related cases.

Torture cases also heightens as well as abuses across ages and gender.

Therefore, due to the aggravating human rights violation in the country, it is

recommended to further strengthen the Commission on Human Rights, encourage the

involvement of non-governmental organizations and the media in assisting and facilitating

human rights infringements. Commission’s educational campaign to increase public

awareness shall continue to awaken the public on the real score in the society. Public

awareness will lead to proper selection of leaders who will have proper approach in

addressing the human rights abuses in the country.

21