THE COMMISION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (CHRP)
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Introduction ........................... ........................... .......................... ........................... ........... 1 Human Rights
Human Rights Defined ........................ ........................... ........................... ........... 2 Human Being Defined......................... ........................... ........................... ........... 2 Inherent Rights....................... ........................... ........................... ........................ 2 Commission Commission on Human Rights
Brief History .......................... ........................... ........................... ........................ 3 Constitutional Constitutional Creation............................ ............................ ........................... ...... 3 Declaration Declaration of the Commission C ommission ...................................... ........................... ........... 4 Organizational Organizational Structure.......................... ............................ ........................... ...... 5 Mission and Vision ......................... ........................... ........................... ............... 6 Powers Powers and Functions.................. Functions.................. .......................... ........................... .................... 7 Cases Handled ..................................................................................................... 8 Roles and Commitments In Relation R elation to Government ........................ ........................... .................... 9 In Relation to Civil Society ............................ ........................... ............... 9 In Relation to Human Rights Violation Victims Victims ........................ ............... 9 Programs and Services Human Rights Protection Program .......................... ........................... ...... 10 Human Rights Promotion Program ......................... ........................... ...... 10 Human Rights Linkages Development and Strategic Planning .................. 10 Special Special Programs ......................... ........................... ........................... ...... 10 Bibliography Bibliography......................... ............................ .......................... ........................... ........... 11 Appendix.......................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ............... 12
INTRODUCTION
A Philippine Society where the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons are enjoyed and respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled by all with a government committed to human rights standards, norms and practices.
This is how the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines envisions the country in terms of the value of human rights. It is a country of the free, of the equal and of the respected. Thus, human rights are a matter of respect, equality and equal rights.
But in the current situation of the country, that vision seems so blurry. Violation on human rights are everywhere²needless to say about the Maguindanao Massacre²the destruction and deprivation of the right to life. Well, human rights are basically those inherited and those that we cannot live without. Thus, they cannot be denied to us and alienated. But then, it is not that way. Human rights are being violated!
The above-mentioned massacre is just one of the many abuses our countrymen are suffering from. There are a lot of them but only few are exposed and given action. This can be because of the lack of knowledge and awareness on what we have and should have, and on what we can do.
We must know now that we have our rights²the right to life, to dignity and to selfdevelopment. We should have them and no one could ever deny them nor alienate them from us. These are our natural and inherited right. It is only proper to enjoy them and to be respected the way you should respect the rights of others.
If we are denied and deprived of these essential rights, we can do something²it¶s either we get it back or we lose it. The State ensures us social justice and human rights. It is for this reasons that a commission have been established to certainly address issues on human rights violation, the Commission on Human Rights. But, how could CHR actually help us? How are our human rights protected, respected and promoted?
HUMAN RIGHTS
Human Rights Defined
The term ³human rights´ refers, in its broadest sense, to those rights, natural and inherited in nature, necessary to life, liberty, dignity and self-development, which cannot be denied to a human being. The Commission on Human Rights defines ³human rights´ as the ³supreme, inherent, inalienable rights to life, to dignity and to self-development. It is the essence of these rights that makes man human.´
Human Being Defined
Human being refers to a person possessing physical existence and who is a product of pro-creation. The term ³person´ includes not only those inhabiting the earth, but considers an unborn child, too, provided that it is later delivered alive. This is so because under the law, an unborn child has a ³presumptive personality´ and is susceptible to legal relations. However, if born prematurely, specifically if it only has an intra-uterine life of seven months, and it dies within 24 hours after its delivery, it is not considered person. An unborn child has the inherent right to be born and be like any other human beings living. This justifies the giving of full protection from abortion to an unborn child.
Inherent Rights
Inherent rights are those natural rights that form part of a person¶s legal personality from the moment of his birth²right to life, liberty, dignity and self-development. These can ne ither be transferred nor sold in any matter to another person. This means that these are not alienable and should not be denied to any person.
COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Brief History
The present Commission on Human Rights was founded after President Corazon Aquino¶s Presidential Committee on Human Rights, established on 1986. The latter was then chaired by former Senator Jose Diokno and former Supreme Court Associate Justice J.B.L. Reyes. Upon the enactment of the 1987 Constitution, the Commission on Human Rights was established. Constitutional Creation
The state gives great emphasis on the value of human rights. It values the dignity of every person; guarantees full respect of all his rights, either inherited or acquired, and ensures equality and equal rights among its people.
³T he
State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full
respect for human rights.´
³T he
(Sec. 11, Art. II, Philippine Constitution)
Congress shall give highest priority to the enactment of measures
that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequalities by equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the common good.´ (Sec. 1, Art. XIII, Philippine Constitution) The Constitution of the Philippines, Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights, provides: Section 17 (1) T here is hereby created an independent office called the Commission on Human Rights.
Declaration of the Commission
The Commission on Human Rights was formally and officially proclaimed through Executive Order No. 163 by then President Corazon Aquino. The EO No. 163 declares the effectivity of the creation of the CHR as provided for in the 1987 Constitution. It also provides the guidelines for the operation thereof, and for ot her other purposes. Section 1 T he
Commission on Human Rights as provided under Article
XIII of the 1987 Constitution is hereby declared to be now in existence.
Section 6 All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7 T his
Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Section 2 of Article XIII of the Constitution states that the Commission on Human Rights be composed of a Chairperson and four members. Qualifications are set for the positions. One must be a natural-born Filipino; must be at least 35 years of age at the time of appointment and must not have been a candidate for any elections immediately preceding their appointment. It also states that majority of the Commission shall be members of the Philippine Bar. They shall not hold any other office or employment and practice any profession or in the active management/control of any business which in any way may be affected by the functions of their office. The Chairperson and the Members are appointed by the president for a term of seven years without reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. The current Chairperson is Atty. Leila M. De Lima. The Commissioners are Cecilia Rachel V. Quisumbing, Maria Victoria V. Cardona, Norberto Dela Cruz and Jose Manuel S. Mamuag. The Commission Secretary is Atty. Maria Asuncion Maravilla.
MISSION AND VISION
VISION
A Philippine Society where the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons are enjoyed and respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled by all with a government committed to human rights standards, norms and p ractices.
MISSION
Inspired and guided by the core values of independence, non-discrimination, equality, pluralism, openness, accountability, transparency, participation, accessibility, and professionalism, we the officers and staff of the CHR, are committed to the: 1. Prevention of human rights violation and abuses through advocacy, partnership, monitoring, information, education, research, and tra ining; 2. Investigation, reporting, and monitoring of human r ights violations and abuses; 3. Empowerment of victims of human rights violations and their families, other vulnerable sectors, and all stakeholders; and, 4. Recommendation and advocacy for appropriate rights-based legislative, administrative and judicial policies, programs and measures.
GOAL STATEMENT
To be the prime mover that champions everyone's human rights.
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
The Commission on Human Rights enjoys its power accompanied by the responsibility for their function. The Commission have the power, bestowed by the Constitution under Article XIII Section 18, to: E, ³ INVES T IGA T
on its owner on complaint by any party all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; ADOP T its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the rules of Court. PROVIDE appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection; EXERCISE visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities; ES T ABLISH a continuing program of research, education and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; RECOMMEND to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victim of violations of human rights, or their families; MONI T OR the Philippine Government's compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; GRAN T immunity form prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority; REQUES T the assistance of any department, bureau, office or agency in the performance of its functions; APPOIN T its officer and employees in accordance with law; and PERFORM such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.´
ROLES AND COMMITMENTS In Relation to Government
The Commission plays roles in relation to government. As the commission handling human rights, it is the external advisor and prescriber of human rights protection standards. It serves also as an independent monitor, evaluator and position advocate on human rights in relation to proposed and existing national and local laws and legislations, and government policies, programs, actions and performance. In Relation to Civil Society
Civil Society refers to Non- government Organizations ( NGOs), academe, other Human Rights Organizations, and General Public and Vulnerable Groups. In relation to Civil Society, it acts as the mobilizer, coordinator and/or contributor of resources for research and implementation programs on human rights; synchronizer of human rights programs to include those civil society thereby enhancing complementation, sharing and mutual reinforcement. It commits itself also as a collaborator/ partner in human rights program design and implementation; advisor and provider of human rights standards; trainor of trainors for sustained promotion and advocacy program; and a molder and educator of the general public particularly the vulnerable groups on human rights norms, standards and practices.
In Relation to Human Rights Violation Victims
The Commission on Human Rights mobilizes civil society, provides protection services and provisions protection standards and guidelines. In relation to the victims of human rights violation, it is the provider of technical assistance to civil society service providers in improving their capacity to render protection services such as legal, investigation and financial assistance. It is also the provider of public information on human rights services and service provider to improve access particularly by vulnerable groups as well as monitor of non-discriminatory access of vulnerable groups to basic services, and of direct assistance to victims of human rights violation.
CASES HANDLED
Actually, there are no specific cases that the Commission on Human Rights handles. Given the functions to investigate all forms of human rights violations, to adopt rules of procedure and issue contempt citations, to provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons and the like; it is implied that all forms of violation to the inherent rights of a person including his civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights and rights of the accused and persons under investigation can be handled by the said Commission. However, the Commission does not possess the power of adjudication. It is emphasized that its functions were pr imarily investigatory.
Refer to Philippine Constitution Article III: Bill of Rights and Article XIII: Social Justice and Human Rights
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
The Commission has its programs and services. These are the Human Rights protection Program, Human Rights Promotion Program, Human Rights Linkages Development and Strategic Planning. There are a lso special programs under the Commission.
Human Rights Protection Program
This program offers investigation and forensic services. It provides legal services: legal aid and counselling, conciliation and mediation; human rights assistance and visitorial services.
Human Rights Promotion Program
This program focuses on the education and training for human rights awareness, human rights research and development. It provides human rights information and public advocacy and web services. The program does compliance monitoring of International Rights Standards in Governance.
Human Rights Linkages Development and Strategic Planning
This program aims to promote right-based planning and human rights performance system in governance. It ensures competence in governance and non- State Actors for good Human rights practices. It also offers Executive Cooperation and Legislative and Judicial Cooperation Programs.
Special Programs y y y y y y
Rights-Based Approach Application Barangay Human Rights Action Center Human Rights Teaching Exemplars Child Rights Center Women's Rights Program Center Asia-Pacific Institute of Human Right
BIBLIOGRAPHY _____________. HUMAN RIGHTS: THE PHILIPPINE PERSPECTIVE
De Leon, Hector S. Textbook on the Philippine Constitution, 2008 Ed.Manila, PHILIPPINES: REX Bookstore, 2008.
http://chr.gov.ph
APPENDIX EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 163 DECLARING THE EFFECTIVITY OF THE CREATION OF THE COMMISSION ONHUMAN RIGHTS AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE 1987 CONSTITUTION, PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution has been ratified by the people; WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution has created an independent office called the Commission on human Rights; and WHEREAS, there is an urgent necessity to constitute the Commission on Human Rights to give effects to the State policy that "the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights." NOW, THEREFORE, I , CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order: Section 1
The Commission on Human Rights as provided under Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution is hereby declared to be now in existence. Section 2
The Commission on Human Rights shall be composed of a Chairman and four members who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least thirty-five years of age, and must not have been candidates for any elective position in the elections immediately preceding their appointment. However, a majority thereof shall be members of the Philippine Bar. The Chairman and the Members of the Commission on human Rights shall not, during their tenure, hold any other office or employment. Neither shall they engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or control of any business which in any way may be affected by the functions of their office, nor shall they be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract with, or in any franchise or privilege granted by the government, any of its sub-divisions, agencies, or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. The Chairman and the Members of the Commission on Human Rights shall be appointed by the president for a term of seven years without reappointment. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. The Chairman and the members of the Commission on human Rights shall receive the same salary as the Chairman and the Members of the Commission on Human Rights shall receive the same salary as the Chairman and Members, respectively, of the Constitutional Commissions, which shall not be decreased during their term of office.
Section 3
The Commission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions: Investigate, on its owner on complaint by any party all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the rules of Court. Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the under-privileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection; Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities; Establish a continuing program of research, education and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victim of violations of human rights, or their families; Monitor the Philippine Government's compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; Grant immunity form prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority; Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office or agency in the performance of its functions; Appoint its officer and employees in accordance with law; and Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law. Section 4
The presidential committee on human Rights, created under executive Order no. 8 dated March 18, 1996, as modified, is hereby abolished. The Commission on Human Rights shall exercise such functions and powers of the presidential committee on Human Rights under Executive Order No. 8, as modified, which are not inconsistent with the provisions of the 1987 Constitution. The unexpended appropriations of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights are hereby transferred to the Commission on Human rights. All properties, records, equipment, buildings, facilities and other assets of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights shall be transferred to the Commission on Human Rights. The Commission on Human Rights may retain such personnel of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights effected under this Executive Order shall receive the benefits to which they may be entitled under existing law, rules and regulations.
Section 5
The approved annual appropriations of the Commission on Human Rights shall be automatically and regularly released. Section 6
All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 7
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately. Done in the City of manila, this 5 th day of May, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and eightyseven. (Signed) CORAZON C. AQUINO
President of the Philippines By the President: (Sgd.) JOKER P. ARROYO
Executive Secretary
CASE MONITORING PROGRAM Concept:
It is the CHRP policy to be fully aware of progress and status of cases and complaints it has forwarded/referred to government agencies and other instrumentalities for appropriate action. Objectives:
1. To regularize monitoring of cases and complaints through right-based networking with concerned agencies. 2. To present an expanded monitoring procedure to the CHRP that should not only update and present the progress of cases and complaints, but capacitate CHRP in initiating, recommending and developing the adoption of right-based approach measures, in cooperation and collaboration with the judicial and quasi judicial agencies, in improving the administration of justice. 3. To establish a distinct relationship with the courts for the enforcement of CHRP decisions by the courts through appropriate cooperation and collaboration. 4. To maintain a suitable documentation of cases and complaints being monitored to effectively carry-out its complementary role to the power enjoyed by the courts, especially in delivering rights-based resolution of cases. Description:
With the inventory of cases and complaints filed with the courts or quasi-judicial bodies, will lead to laying the foundation for amicable networking to engage said agencies with their respective mandates in the speedy delivery of justice. Implementation:
Upon the submission of the inventory report of the cases, complaints and the transactions filed before the CHRP and already forwarded to the Courts and Quasi-judicial bodies for the prosecution of criminal/civil/administrative aspect, the CHRP identified the problems, concerns and issues on account of the slow administration of justice. Major Accomplishments :
Case monitoring activity for Region I, II, III, CAR and for Visayas Region IV has already been done. Still waiting for the schedule for Case Monitoring Activity of the remaining regions.
Major Plans :
To come-up with a clear-cut policy on the monitoring of cases after the completion of the coming monitoring activities.
INVESTIGATION DIVISION Program Title: Conduct studies and design policies and procedures in the conduct of appropriate human rights investigative intervention. Concept: Improvement in the conduct of investigation of human rights violation cases. Objective: To give direction and guidance to Human Rights Investigators in the conduct of investigation. It will also serve as parameters for CHR Investigators/Lawyers in the conduct of investigation / investigative monitoring as well as it provides information. Description: With detailed guidelines and procedures of the appropriate intervention or role of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP) in human rights violation cases and human rights conditions at community, local, national and international level. Implementation (How):
Issuance of directives by the Commission (CHRP) to concerned CHR offices including CHR Regional Offices for compliance.
Major Accomplishments:
With the financial support of the British Embassy - Manila, the Commission on Human Rights, particularly the Investigation Division has come out with the publications of three (3) reference materials for CHR personnel involved in the investigation and legal services, namely: Operations Manual on Investigation and Case Management Process (2001 Edition) Fundamentals in Human Rights Investigation Work in the Philippines: A Handbook for CHR Special Investigators (May 2001 Edition) The Legal Bases of Human Rights Work in the Philippines: A Reference- Guide for CHR Personnel involved in the Investigation and Legal Services (July 2001 Edition) Proposed Policy Guidelines submitted to the Commission for approval: Policy Guidelines on the Role of CHR in Cases involving Eviction of Rural and Urban Poor Dwellers and/or Demolition of their Dwellings/Structures Policy Guidelines on CHR Fact-Finding Missions Policy Guidelines involving Cause Celebre Cases and/or Human Rights Incidents which are of National/International Implications Policy Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of a Quick Response Action Center in all CHR Regional Offices Seminars / Workshops Conducted:
Enhancing Investigative Capability of CHR Investigators (Sponsored by British Embassy - Manila) held at Villa Cristina Resort, Antipolo City on October 1 - 6, 2000. CHR Special Investigators Staff Development Training Course in Visayas - Mindanao Area (December 11 - 16, 2001) CHR Special Investigators Staff Development Training Course in Luzon Area (April 21 - 26, 2002) Major Plans:
Implementation of the proposed policy guidelines upon approval by the Commission Study and propose policy guidelines concerning: Rights-based situation tracking which involves rights based assessment with areas where there are prevalent and systematic violations of human rights of the poor, vulnerable and disadvantage sectors especially in the remotest parts of the country that are poverty stricken, insurgency infested and have deteriorating development and governance conditions. Rights-based system on Investigative Monitoring which involves the systematic process for investigative monitoring of economic, social and cultural rights violations arising from situations and conditions resulting to systematic forms of human rights violations. Continuous implementation of Capability Building Seminars for CHR Investigators.
GOVERNMENT COOPERATION OFFICE Legislative and Program Division Program Title:
A continuing cooperation and coordination activities with CHRP offices and other government agencies especially in the studies of human rights content and implications of existing laws and administrative issuances of the government as well as in the conduct, research, development and advocacy of principles, standards and norms to ensure that the contents of proposed laws are compliant with national and international standards on human rights. Concept:
The LPD shall monitor bills with human rights implications filed in Congress and coordinate in the preparation of the CHRP position on proposed measures. Objective:
To institutionalize collaborative systems and arrangements with government agencies on the development and implementation of administrative issuances and legislative measures with human rights provisions, to ensure the faithful compliance by the government with international human rights standards. Description:
The undermanned complement of the LPD notwithstanding, the said division has already institutionalized systems of collaboration and arrangements with government agencies, NGO's and PO's that are geared towards the satisfactory performance of its functions and mandates. Implementation:
The program is being implemented principally through research work and coordination in the preparation of the CHRP position on proposed legislative measures. Major accomplishments:
The LPD has participated in almost all committee hearings and Technical Working Group meetings in both houses of Congress and in such other fora on matters with human rights implications. Major Plans:
1). To request the CHRP management for additional warm bodies to complement the unrealistically small composition of the Division otherwise, the functions and mandates of the LPD should be transferred to the Legal Office; where they properly belong. 2). To recommend for the modification, amendment or repeal of existing laws and administrative issuances of the government that are not compliant , with international human rights standards.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS Right to Development Program
A system of developing and monitoring rights-based programs and measures across institutions aimed at creating enabling environment for poverty reduction linked with the nine (9) components of good governance as follows: Electoral and Political Reforms, Right to Development, Judicial Reform, Anti-Corruption, Governance Review, Civil Service & Economic Management, Globalization and Corporate Citizenship, Decentralization & Local Governance. As the national human rights institution for the protection and promotion of human rights both under the Philippine Constitution and the United Nations System, the Commission on Human Rights is empowered to initiate and sustain application of the rights- based approach to governance to facilitate convergence of human rights and development using the following tools: Governance. y y y y
Mainstreaming Human Rights Indicators in the Public Resource Management Sectors Mainstreaming Human Rights in National, Sub-National Sectoral and Agency Levels Mainstreaming Human Rights in Budgeting Process at the National Level Mainstreaming Human Rights in Local Government Units Planning and Budgeting
Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC)
A human rights community support program, in cooperation with the Local Government Units, at the grassroots level performing four (4) main functions: Receiving and Monitoring of HR Complaints, Education and Information Campaigns, Coordination and Referral; and Community Mobilization.
HR Teaching Exemplars
The Commission on Human Rights in cooperation with the Department of Education developed a human rights education curriculum for the elementary and secondary levels of as well as a HR Education Facilitator's Manual for the Training of Teachers. The following modules compose the manual: Program Engagement, Learning Process, Human Rights Violations, Why Teach Human Rights, Foundation of Human Rights, Human Rights Principles and Concepts, Children's Rights, Handling Disclosure of Child Abuse, Teachers as Human Rights Advocates, The Human Rights Teaching Exemplars, The Human Rights Education Facilitator's Manual, Learning Episodes, Visioning and Action Planning, Clearing House and Closure.
Child Rights Center
The Child Rights Center investigates human rights violations against children, initiates legal action, and monitors and reports on all violations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child involving civil rights and freedoms, and special protection. The Center develops and implements awareness programs on children's rights; conducts studies in aid of legislation and for more effective ways to implement existing national and international laws and treaties. Women's Rights Program Center
The Women's Rights Program Center is a special unit that investigates human rights violations against women and initiates legal action or provides assistance in legal discrimination, non-recognition, women's rights as human rights, multiple burdens, unequal access to land, violence against women, politics and governance, justice and peace and order, employment, health and education. Asia-Pacific Institute of Human Rights
The Asia-Pacific Institute of Human Rights is envisioned to operate along four major functions and services, namely: information, training, research and publication which will be closely inter-phased with the CHRP programs and services along its mission and mandates. As an Information Center , the Institute will serve as a repository of a comprehensive collection of human rights books and other information, education and communication (IEC) materials for use locally and internationally, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. As a Training Center , the institute is conceived to be a "center of excellence" that provides in-service trainings, study grants, fellowship programs, conferences and short courses on human rights for human rights trainers along the following five priority areas: y
y y y y
Human Rights Investigation for Investigating Teams (lawyers and Investigators, including medical) Training of Teachers on HR Teaching Exemplars Training on the Rights-Based Approach and the Right to Development Special Training Concerns for Vulnerable Sectors like Women, Children, Indigenous Peoples Capacity Development Program for continuing education and skills upgrading of Commissioners, managers, officers and staff of human rights institutions in the Asia Pacific region.
Its unique feature will be an accreditation system under which trained personnel will be certified to be trainors for certain levels. As a Research Center , the Institute will serve as the outlet of all research papers and studies of the CHRP. It will initiate research grants covering issues affecting the Asia Pacific region and will link-up with other human rights organizations for the conduct of studies to enrich the body of knowledge on human rights. As a Publication Unit under the Office of the Chairperson, the institute will be involved in designing, packaging and producing all documents approved for publication emulating from the Chairperson, the Commissioners and the Commission en banc. To include research and study of new technologies and facilities in production and publication and design improvement standard for all CHRP publications.
