CHR Philippines

📢 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS | 2026 CHR Conference on International Humanitarian Law The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) invites researchers, academics, practitioners, civil society organizations, business actors, and other stakeholders to submit abstracts for the 2026 CHR Conference on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This year’s conference theme, “The Business of Armed Conflict,” aims to explore the complex relationship between business operations and armed conflict, including the role of businesses in conflict resolution and post-conflict economic development. 🗓 Conference Date: 13 August 2026 (Thursday) 📍 Venue: CHR Central Office, Quezon City 📌 Panel Topics: ▪️ Business operations in the context of armed conflict in the Philippines ▪️ Businesses as actors in conflict resolution and post-conflict economic development 📅 Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 June 2026 (Monday) To submit your abstract and to learn more about the activity, please check the links below or the QR codes provided in the publication. Concept Note: tinyurl.com/IHL2026-concep… Abstract Submission: http://tinyurl.comIHL2026Abstract Be part of the conversation in advancing human rights and International Humanitarian Law discourse. For more information, contact: Center for Social Justice and Humanitarian Protection humanitariancenter@chr.gov.ph

Recognizing Pilar’s unique position as a premier tourism destination home to the Magpupungko Rock Pools, the organizers designed the event, “Strengthening Siargao Islands’ Local Government Units in the Mainstreaming of Human Rights through Rule of Law and Access to Justice,” to provide municipal leaders with a roadmap for rights-based governance. By bringing expert technical assistance to the locality, CHR and FNF aimed to ensure that Pilar’s rapid economic expansion is matched by a robust legal framework that protects the fundamental rights of its residents and the safety of its visitors. The collaborative mission focused on helping the LGU fulfill the mandates of CHR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2014, specifically through the creation of a Human Rights Action Center (HRAC). CHR and FNF representatives provided the legislative guidance necessary for the LGU to draft and pass a formal HRAC Ordinance, moving human rights from the sidelines into a permanent, institutionalized office within the municipal hall. This support is vital for Pilar’s "Human Rights Cities" aspiration, as it empowers the local government to become a primary responder for social justice. #NaritoAngCHR

CHR AND FNF EMPOWER LGU PILAR TO ANCHOR TOURISM GROWTH IN HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW In a dedicated effort to support the Local Government Unit of Pilar in its journey toward sustainable development, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom Philippines organized a high-level capacity development session on 07 May 2026. #NaritoAngCHR

PUBLIC ADVISORY: CHR MISMO DOWNTIME Please be informed that the Management Information System Monitoring Outlet (MISMO) is currently undergoing system maintenance. During this period, access to the system may be temporarily unavailable. We are working to resolve the issue at the earliest possible time and will send another notice once the problem has been fixed and the system is fully operational. You may still reach us for your complaints or concerns through the following contact details: Email: publicassistance@chr.gov.ph Globe: (0936) 068 0982 Smart: (0920) 506 1194 Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Ngayong 17 Mayo 2026, ginugunita ang International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day bilang pag-alala sa mga buhay na nawala dahil sa AIDS at pakikiisa sa mga Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV). Kalakip ng paggunita ngayong taon ang temang “LIGHT THE LEGACY. Remember. Advance. Act.” na nagbibigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pag-alala, pagpapatuloy ng adbokasiya, at sama-samang pagkilos tungo sa isang lipunang ligtas sa stigma at diskriminasyon. Sa Pilipinas, patuloy na tumataas ang bilang ng HIV cases, habang nananatili ring hamon ang stigma, diskriminasyon, at hindi pantay na access sa HIV testing, treatment, at healthcare services. Paalala ang araw na ito na ang kalusugan, dignidad, at pantay na pagtrato ay mga karapatang pantao na dapat matamasa ng lahat, kabilang ang mga PLHIV. Kaisa ang Commission on Human Rights sa pagsusulong ng rights-based na pagtugon sa HIV, kung saan mananaig ang malasakit, pag-unawa, at paggalang sa dignidad ng bawat tao. Sa bawat sindi ng kandila, nawa’y magsilbi itong liwanag tungo sa isang lipunang mas ligtas, makatao, at walang iniiwan.

𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐇𝐑 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐔 The 6th Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) in Central Visayas was officially established at Bohol Island State University (BISU) on October 7, 2025, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and BISU. The CHR VII team, led by Atty. Arvin A. Odron, Regional Director of CHR VII, was warmly welcomed by BISU President Dr. Anthony M. Penaso; Vice President for Academics and Quality Assurance, Dr. Ma. Lilibeth G. Castil; and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Bernabe M. Mijares Jr. In her solidarity message, Atty. Lidia Ria Espina, CPA, Dean of the College of Law at the University of Cebu, expressed the strong support of the CHRE community in Central Visayas and recognized the CHR as an accredited National Human Rights Institution under the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. This partnership marks another step forward in promoting human rights awareness, education, and advocacy among students and communities across the region.

Ang #AkoBatayan ay isang youth-centered at rights-based caravan na naglalayong palakasin ang kaalaman, kritikal na pag-iisip, at makataong pagpapasya ng kabataang Pilipino bilang paghahanda sa 2026 Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

Kabilang sa mga naging bahagi ng programa sina CHR Commissioners Beda A. Epres at Justice Monina Arevalo Zenarosa (Ret.); CHR NCR Regional Director Atty. Khristian Jeff C. Episcope; Vince Gamboa, Chief ng CHR NCR Promotion and Advocacy Division; Atty. Erwin M. Caliba, Chief ng CHR Legislative Linkages and Government Division; Armando V. Angeles Jr. ng National Youth Commission; at Atty. Jovencio G. Balanquit ng Commission on Elections-NCR. Sa kanilang mensahe at diskusyon, sila’y nagbahagi ng mahahalagang aral at pananaw mula sa kani-kanilang tungkulin at larangan upang hikayatin ang kabataan na bumoto nang responsable, mapanuri, at may prinsipyo.

𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗧 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗡, 𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗔 #AKOBATAYAN 𝗡𝗖𝗥 🗳️✊ Matagumpay na naisagawa ang unang #AkoBatayan Youth Caravan sa National Capital Region (NCR) ngayong 15 Mayo 2026 sa Liwasang Diokno, CHR Grounds, Quezon City. Sa pangunguna ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR), katuwang ang National Youth Commission (NYC) at Commission on Elections (COMELEC), ang caravan na nagsilbing ligtas na espasyo para sa makabuluhang talakayan hinggil sa human rights, youth leadership, civic participation, at responsableng pagboto. Aktibong nakilahok sa talakayan ang mga dumalong kabataan, youth leaders, at student representatives.

The visit also served as an opportunity to explore potential areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing public service delivery and promoting good governance in the region. Present from the Commission on Human Rights Region IX were Regional Director Atty. Judelyn T. Macapili, Atty. Mikaila Ross H. Fernandez, Mr. Tristan Mark B. Najar, Ms. Shemeline P. Vela, and Mr. Jerome S. Remillete. Also present from the CHR Central Office were Atty. Oscar Jose A. Artillero, Ms. Jezzamine Andaquig, and Ms. Ara V. Padilla.

LOOK: Commissioner Judge Maria Amifaith S. Fider-Reyes (Ret.) was warmly welcomed to the City Government of Zamboanga by Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco during an official visit held on 27 April 2026. The courtesy meeting highlighted the City Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships and fostering collaboration in support of effective governance and public service. Commissioner Fider-Reyes specifically introduced the monitoring activities currently being rolled out in Zamboanga City under her focalship on the right to food security as a human right. The discussion also covered CHR initiatives related to persons with disabilities and health-related rights. Commissioner Fider-Reyes expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and acknowledged the City Government’s ongoing efforts in advancing programs that benefit the people of Zamboanga.

#NaritoAngCHR In line with the objective of strengthening advocacy for the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly within custodial and detention facilities, the Commission on Human Rights Regional Office VIII, in partnership with the Maasin City Jail, conducted an orientation entitled “Safeguarding Human Dignity: An Orientation for BJMP Personnel” on 20 April 2026. Attended by key officials and personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the activity highlighted the mandate and functions of the Commission on Human Rights, as well as the salient provisions of Republic Act No. 9745 or Anti-Torture Act of 2009. Ms. Marie Nacino, CHR's Training Specialist, served as the resource speaker and facilitated the discussions during the activity. Under the leadership of Acting Jail Warden JINSP Erlu Alvarez, the Maasin City Jail actively participated in and supported the activity, reaffirming its continued commitment to advancing human rights-based practices in detention management.

#CHRNewsMention | Hospital management must bear penalty on patient detention - Malaya Business Insight READ:malaya.com.ph/news/national-…

NCR, handa na ba kayo? Narito na ang first stop ng #AkoBatayan Youth Caravan. Ito ay isang masayang biyahe tungo sa mas mulat, mapanuri, at makataong pagboto! 🗳 Kita-kits bukas, 15 Mayo 2026, sa Liwasang Diokno, CHR Central sa Quezon City. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagboto. Tungkol ito sa paggamit ng boses ng kabataan para hubugin ang kinabukasan. Sa panahon ng disinformation, vote-buying, at personality politics, mahalagang maging mapanuri at pumili ng may pamantayan. 💡✊ Tara na, NCR youth! Makilahok, makiisa, at maging bahagi ng henerasyong bumoboto nang may prinsipyo, malasakit, at paninindigan. 💙💛

#CHRNewsMention | CHR leads NCR dialogue to strengthen national framework on media safety READ: manilatimes.net/2026/05/01/tmt…

As the country’s Gender Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, the Commission underscores the importance of ensuring that policies and commitments translate into meaningful protection, access to justice, and tangible improvements in the lives of women. #CHRngLahat #CHRYourGenderOmbud

The consultation also contributes to the CHR’s independent parallel report to the UN CEDAW Committee, reflecting evidence and lived experiences shared by civil society partners. #CHRngLahat #CHRYourGenderOmbud

CHR convenes civil society consultation on PH interim report to CEDAW LOOK: CHR’s Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights and Focal Commissioner on Gender Rights, Commissioner Faydah Maniri Dumarpa, convened the Civil Society Consultation on the Philippines’ Interim Report to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on 12 May 2026 at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City. #CHRngLahat #CHRYourGenderOmbud