CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region 7 kicked off the observance of National Human Rights Consciousness Week with several activities lined up from Dec. 4 to 10.
CHR-7 regional director Atty. Alvin A. Odron disclosed during a Kapihan sa PIA forum on Dec. 4 that the observance will feature seminars and training sessions focused on the prevention of human rights violations and abuse.
A paralegal training session was conducted on Dec. 5 for Political Science students from the University of the Philippines, University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, University of San Jose-Recoletos, and University of San Carlos (USC).
On Dec. 6 and 7, a two-day seminar on the ‘Media and the Law’ will focus on protocols for reporting stories involving violence and vulnerable sectors.
“We want to empower not only the community but also media practitioners, including producers, managers, field reporters, and broadcast personalities. It’s open to all and will emphasize appropriate reporting methods, particularly for cases involving children who are victims of human rights violations,” Odron noted.
A forum on voters’ rights will also be held on Dec. 8 in partnership with USC in preparation for the upcoming elections.
The CHR regional director underscored the importance of technology in addressing urgent human rights concerns.
“We are taking advantage of technology, including social media and mobile phones. Because of this, we’ve developed an Online Reporting System (ORS). If individuals are unable to report personally to their barangay officials, they can use the ORS, which was launched in July this year,” said Odron.
He added that complaints submitted through the system will be attended to by the officer of the day, and feedback will be provided within 24 hours.
Odron also stressed the importance of addressing human rights issues involving vulnerable sectors of the community.
“We need to attend to the needs of vulnerable sectors because these are groups in the community who are prone to human rights abuses and violations. They lack knowledge, sufficient information, and guidance on where to go when their rights are violated,” he explained.
CHR is working closely with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on initiatives such as forming human rights action teams, strengthening human rights committees, and establishing human rights centers in various local government units.
“CHR is not only for criminals. That is a misconception. Regardless of who you are, you are still a human with rights,” Odron emphasized.
Anchored on the theme “Empowering Humanity: Upholding Dignity, Protecting Rights, and Promoting Peace,” the annual observance holds significant historical importance, following the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration of Dec. 10 as International Human Rights Day. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)`
