ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat conducts the 8th and last leg of the Philippine Human Rights Plan consultation in Zamboanga City on September 16 to 17, 2024 with participants from Zamboanga Peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Philippine government is currently in the process of finalizing its 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4), an initiative aimed at addressing both ongoing and emerging human rights issues across the country. This plan is part of the Philippines’ commitment to the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action from the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights.
Under the leadership of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), the nationwide consultations are a vital step in ensuring that the plan reflects the voices of stakeholders, including non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and local government units.
PHRCS Usec. Severo Catera explained that these consultations aim to make the PHRP4 a truly national plan, one that includes a diverse range of perspectives and needs, “this is not simply a government plan, but it should be a national plan, a Philippine plan. It can only be so if we get the sentiments from the ground. We consult with civil society, NGOs, and make them understand that their work is aligned with human rights advocacy,” he added.
Aside from the broader human rights focus, the consultations have also spotlighted the issue of gender and development. One key area of discussion has been the need to formalize small businesses run by women in the informal sector, such as home-based workers. This formalization aims to provide these women with proper recognition and support from government agencies.
Juliet Tigo, President of Civil Society Organization and one of the participants expressed gratitude to the secretariat as this is a good platform to share their needs and expectations from the government, “it is time for the government to recognize the needs of women, whether in disaster situations or as part of the informal sector,” she emphasized.
As the consultation process nears its completion, the PHRP4 is expected to be an essential part of the Philippines’ commitment to improving human rights protections and addressing key societal challenges. The final plan will be submitted to the Office of the President for approval, with a formal launch expected in December, this year. (EDT/MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
