The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is an independent National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) created under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, established on 05 May 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 163.
The Commission is mandated to conduct investigations on human rights violations against marginalized and vulnerable sectors of the society, involving civil and political rights.
CHR is an “A” accredited NHRI, fully complying with the Paris Principles adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1995. As an NHRI, the Commission upholds six fundamental characteristics — independence, pluralism, broad mandate, transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
The Commission commits to deliver prompt, responsive, accessible, and excellent public ser vice for the protection and promotion of human rights in accordance with universal human rights principles and standards.
IN THE SERVICE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE
The CHR serves all persons in the Philippines, as well as Filipino nationals abroad. It provides services to both rights-holders, or the vulnerable sectors who are the Commission’s primary clients, as well as to the duty-bearers, or the police, military, and the other persons in authority.
Particularly, the CHR prioritizes the following rights-holders:
- Women
- Children
- Youth
- Persons Deprived of Liberty
- Indigenous Peoples
- Workers (Domestic and Migrant Workers)
- Internally Displaced Persons
- Persons Living in Poverty
- Persons with Disabilities
- Senior Citizens
- Persons with Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE)
- Other marginalized groups
The Commission also works to build and strengthen the capacities of duty-bearers including, but not limited to, frontline service providers; decision and policy makers; and actors in the security sector and justice system.
It works in partnership with all national government agencies; independent constitutional commissions; local government units; government-owned and controlled corporations; educational institutions; and civil society groups.
The CHR engages with the local and international communities for the protection and promotion of human rights.
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION SERVICES
- Documentation and management of complaints of human rights violations
- Monitoring of human rights conditions in detention facilities and penal rehabilitation centers
- Provisions of independent forensics services and medico-legal services in aid of investigation
HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION SERVICES
- Continuing development of client-based human eights education and training programs and delivery of client-based education and training project for priority sectors
- Human rights advocacy campaigns
- Research, documentation, and publications
HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY ADVISORY SERVICES
- Issuance of human rights advisories, position papers, statements, and comments on existing and proposed pieces of legislation, local ordinances, and programs, and practices of government bodies
- Formulation of policy guidelines, implementing rules and regulations on new and/or special human rights laws
- Independent reports on the government’s implementation of Human Rights treaty provisions
SPECIALIZED/THEMATIC HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM
- Child Rights Center
- Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights
- Center for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
- Center for Crisis, Conflict, and Humanitarian Protection
COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
The Commission seeks to forge partnership and cooperative arrangements, protection and promotion of human rights.
VISION
A just and humane Philippine society of persons equal in opportunity, living a life of dignity, and forever vigilant against abuses and oppression
MISSION
As conscience of government and the people, we seek truth in human rights issues. As beacon of truth, we make people aware of their rights, and guide government and society towards actions that respect the rights of all, particularly those who cannot defend themselves — the disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable.
GOAL STATEMENT
To be the prime mover in strengthening respect, understanding, and practice of human rights as the essential cornerstone of peace, unity, and nation-building
MANTRA
CHR: Dignity of all