The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) through its investigation office and the National Capital Region office has dispatched a quick response operation team to an orphanage in Quezon City that was ordered closed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for supposed violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.
“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we underscore the importance of putting primacy on the best interestof children. While we affirm that the serious concerns raised must be acted upon expeditiously, we also stress that it must be dealt with in a manner that is conscious and sensitive to the needs of the children,” the CHR said.
On May 22, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) issued a cease-and-desist order against the Gentle Hands Inc. for alleged child abuse and failure to comply with the minimum standards for residential facilities for children.
In a statement, the CHR said “however, accounts circulating online also claimed that DSWD and police officers who came to retrieve the children the night of 22 May 2023 were armed, causing distress among the children.”
“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we underscore the importance of putting primacy on the best interest of children. While we affirm that the serious concerns raised must be acted upon expeditiously, we also stress that it must be dealt with in a manner that is conscious and sensitive to the needs of the children,” it said.
It said the DSWD and GHI both agreed to hold the implementation of the cease-and-desist order after a dialogue last May 23 to resolve the matter in the presence of the CHR lawyers and special investigators.
“CHR, nonetheless, will still closely monitor the progress of this case and the situation of the children,” it added.
“The Commission reminds duty bearers as well as child rights advocates, that it is crucial that we minimize the risk of further trauma, hurt, or harm to children when conducting investigative and intervention processes. It is only through supportive and encouraging means can we gather accurate and credible information from children, which are necessary in attaining justice. Likewise, approaching these cases with empathy greatly facilitates the success of recovery and support services,” it added.