December 07, 2010
HR Forum Emphasizes on Interplay of Rights
and Responsibilities
“Abuse
of state security sector, weak regulatory framework and corruption
are the three main challenges faced by the Philippines when it
comes to human rights. One factor why such issues emerge is the
lack of a Rights-Based Approach (RBA). However,
we should understand that rights-based development starts from
the interplay of rights and responsibilities.” This was
pronounced by Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamaug of the Commission
on Human Rights (CHR) at the Human Rights Forum organized
by the Philippine Working Group (PWG) with the
support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF)
on 07 December 2010 in Quezon City.
Commission Mamuag further said that “a positive domestic
environment, partnered with a strong international environment
and CSO convergence will help strengthen human rights
promotion and protection.”
Atty. Carlos Medina, PWG Secretary-General, acknowledged the
emerging concept of the RBA. “This should be explored and
considered by all government agencies in crafting and implementation
of laws and policies,” he encouraged.
"Human rights discussions are not usually appealing to governments.
This is why I find impressive that government representatives
and civil society groups are gathered together here for an open
and frank dialogue. Europe prides itself with its adherence
to human rights, but debates like these do not happen any longer.
The Philippines can be proud of a vibrant civil society with so
much expertise and commitment to human rights and
a new government administration that listens
to their concerns,” expressed Jules Maaten, FNF Philippines
Country Director.
As a conclusion to the
Kapihan in Oct 2010, this second part gathered
the responses of the government on issues such as torture,
discrimination against women, protection
of vulnerable sectors, and labor rights and employment.
It allowed representatives of government agencies to present their
plans and program of action for the promotion, protection and
fulfillment of human rights in the country.
