BHRC, CHR SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) TO STRENGTHEN HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION
Shawwal 21, 1444 AH / May 11, 2023 – The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen human rights education and promotion in the country.
The MOA aims to unite both parties to cooperate and support each other in achieving mutually agreed goals relating to human rights education and promotion.
In his message, CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard P. Palpal-Latoc expressed his support for the BHRC by stating that both institutions shall work hand in hand, emphasizing that there is strength in solidarity. He added that one of the thrusts of the CHR is strengthening ties with the BARMM through the BHRC so that it can forge a stronger culture of human rights in the country, instilling in every Filipino the value of human rights. He said that only then can we advance and make progress on genuine nation-building
Meanwhile, BHRC Chairperson Atty. Abdul Rashid P. Kalim expressed his gratitude to the CHR as the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement signified the deep intentions of both parties to be advocates of human rights. He expressed that it is a big privilege that the CHR came and that this is such a historical moment. He emphasized that this partnership is important because the BHRC does not only want to address the issues and concerns of the Bangsamoro people within but also outside BARMM.
CHR Commissioner Atty. Faydah M. Dumarpa, the very first Muslim woman appointed as a member of the CHR, and BHRC Commissioner Archie U. Buaya, MPA were also present during the MOA signing and witnessed the same.
The CHR is the independent national human rights institution (NHRI) in the Philippines created under the 1987 Constitution mandated to promote, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all people. Through its Human Rights Education and Promotion Office (HREPO), the CHR develops and offers different education and training programs, as well as advocacy and information campaigns on human rights, in furtherance of its Constitutional mandate.
On the other hand, the BHRC is the independent human rights institution in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) created under the Bangsamoro Organic Law and is further operationalized by the Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019, It is mandated to promote and protect the human rights of the Bangsamoro people and during armed conflict, uphold international humanitarian law.
The MOA between the BHRC and CHR is a significant step towards strengthening the country’s human rights education and promotion. It is hoped that through this partnership, more people will be educated on their human rights and become agents of positive change in their communities. This is especially important in the BARMM region, where human rights education is crucial in promoting peace and development.
