CELEBRATING its 37th anniversary this month, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has made human rights more attainable on all levels of Philippine society through the launch of its online client portal.
The CHR will have this online complaints portal called CHR MISMO accessible to Filipinos by May 13, 10 days after the government agency’s anniversary.
“[It] will enable us to reach our clients, especially the most vulnerable ones, [in] real-time, anywhere in the country, including remote areas. This is our response to the fast-evolving digital world where emerging issues on human rights continually surface,” said CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc in a statement.
The commission also shared its milestones in 2023, such as the “Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan or Lakaran,” a program that disseminates information on human rights in local communities.
The CHR has brought this initiative to nine provinces since its inception last year.
“Through this program, CHR was able to establish over a hundred Barangay Human Rights Action Center in partnership with local government units across all regions as well as around fifty-eight (58) Center for Human Rights Education in partnership with various educational institutions across the country,” the CHR said in a statement.
It also has various partnerships with agencies, such as the Department of Justice – Board of Claims (DoJ-BoC), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) for the advancement and promotion of human rights.
Meantime, Mr. Palpal-latoc is hoping for the immediate passage of the CHR Charter Bill, Senate Bill No. 2440, to broaden his office’s mandate and reach.
It said the passage of the bill will enable the CHR to “realize its independence” and “establish its role as a watchdog, monitor, advocate, and educator of the government.”
“CHR has prevailed over challenges in the past and will consistently strive to improve and adapt to advance the rights of all individuals across all sectors and spectrum,” said Mr. Palpal-latoc. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
