PHILIPPINES

Phase Two of HRAC Project Aims to Improve Human Rights Framework in Caraga LGUs

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) - Caraga Region is continuing the second phase of its project aimed at institutionalizing Human Rights Action Centers (HRACs) across the region. This project, which is part of a partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), follows the initial phase that was carried out from April to June 2024.

Launched in October 2024, the second phase focuses on providing capacity-building sessions for local government units (LGUs) in the region, particularly those that were not part of the initial pilot group. The goal is to establish or strengthen HRACs in select LGUs within Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, empowering these areas to better integrate human rights, rule of law, and access to justice into their governance frameworks.

The capacity-building sessions are designed to assist local leaders in setting up and enhancing HRACs. Mr. Edson B. Alijo, the project coordinator from CHR Caraga, is facilitating the sessions, while Ms. Doreen Marielle N. Rosales serves as the resource speaker. This initiative underscores FNF's dedication to promoting human rights, particularly in regions outside Metro Manila, with hopes that these efforts will encourage more LGUs to adopt human rights protection mechanisms for their communities.

The CHR is committed to ensuring the continuation of this initiative by closely monitoring the passage and approval of HRAC Ordinances or Executive Orders within participating LGUs. This follow-up will extend across various levels of government, from municipal to provincial, city, and even barangay levels.

This article is written by Pie Escobar, the Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Philippine Office.