PH Human Rights Plan consultations kick off in Pampanga

The Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) started public consultations for a government plan targeted to address the country’s human rights issues.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the PHRCS announced the first leg of the nationwide consultations for the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4) kicked off in Angeles City, Pampanga from May 26 to May 27, 2024.

“These multi-stakeholder consultations shall be the cornerstone in the development of the State’s action plan for human rights promotion and fulfillment,” said PHRCS Executive Director Severo Catura.

“We take pride in our inclusive process in human rights planning, especially so that the PHRP4 is a global pledge of the Philippines before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, conveyed last year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.”

The PHRP4 is targeted to address crucial continuing and emerging human rights issues in the Philippines. It also aimed to reinforce programs and projects that would uplift the standards of living, quality of life, and human dignity of Filipinos.

The plan was likewise expected to strengthen human rights education, improve on policies and frameworks, and strengthen institutions responsible for human rights protection.

In conducting the consultations, a team of representatives from relevant government offices joined the PHRCS. Over 50 civil society organizations also participated in the consultations.

Succeeding joint consultations were scheduled in the following areas and dates:

• Manila for National Capital Region — June 20-21
• Laguna for Southern Luzon — July 1-2
• Iloilo City for Western and Eastern Visayas — July 15-16
• Cebu City for Central Visayas — July 29-30
• Davao City for Northern and Southern Mindanao — August 5-6
• General Santos City for Central Mindanao — August 19-20
• Cotabato City for BARMM — September 2-3

— DVM, GMA Integrated News