CHR urges gov't to strengthen efforts to protect OFWs

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday called on the Philippine government to strengthen its efforts to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In a statement, the CHR extended its condolences to the family and relatives of the Filipino recently executed in Saudi Arabia over a murder case and said that the incident highlighted limitations of what the Philippines can do in seeking reprieve in states with the death penalty.

''The right to life is a fundamental right that transcends national borders yet remains subject to the jurisdictional laws of foreign states,'' the CHR said.

''As the country’s national human rights institution, the CHR reiterates its call for the Philippine government to further strengthen its efforts in ensuring that the rights of Filipino migrant workers are upheld and protected, even when they are outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines,'' it added.

The CHR, however, recognized the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to defend the rights and seek clemency for the late Filipino migrant worker.

''To prevent similar incidents from happening, it is vital to continue building stronger legal support systems for OFWs and enhancing diplomatic engagements with host countries. These efforts should focus on ensuring that OFWs have access to fair legal representation and that justice systems respect international human rights standards, including the right to due process,'' the CHR said.

“While the death penalty remains legal in some countries, we firmly believe that the dignity of life must be preserved at all times and that justice systems should provide for the possibility of rehabilitation and not solely focus on retribution.'' —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News