CHR holds national inquiry on human rights defenders

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has held a national inquiry on the situation of human rights defenders in the Philippines.

The inquiry was held in response to petitions and complaints filed before the Commission, alleging extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, threats, and other forms of harassment against organisations and individuals – collectively regarded as human rights defenders – attributed to state organs and agents, the CHR said in a statement.

"The Commission especially notes serious allegations concerning government attempts to silence and intimidate human rights defenders through the use of the judicial system, including the filing of criminal cases based on fabricated charges of terrorism, sedition, and other crimes against the security of the state," the statement said.

"In accordance with its primary mandate to investigate allegations of human rights abuses, the CHR, upon conclusion of its inquiry, intends to present to government and other sectors recommendations for respecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring a vibrant democracy."

The public hearings were held from 9-13 September 2019 at the Session Hall of the CHR Central Office in Quezon City.

Representatives from local and international human rights organisations, the church and the government took part in the public hearings.

Proceedings from the national inquiry were broadcast on the CHR's YouTube channel.

Date: 15 September 2019