The Commission on Human Rights on Monday joined the clamor to hasten the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the passage of House Bill No. 9199 should be a high priority, considering the unceasing attacks, threats and the general climate of hostility faced by human rights defenders and advocates.
“We echo the recent statement of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms. Mary Lawlor, stressing that the bill shall concretely show our country’s commitment to human rights obligations,” she said.
“Passing the bill will demonstrate our government’s recognition of the essential work of the human rights defenders,” De Guia added.
She said concrete legal protection and mechanisms would enable the important work of the human rights community.
“Upholding the welfare and rights of human rights defenders will redound to the promotion of the rights of all especially the vulnerable sectors, which they serve,” she said.