Jumada Al Akhirah 30, 1444 AH / January 23, 2023 – In a summit participated by some one hundred and fifty (150) Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Other Bangsamoro Communities (OBC), Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) Chairperson Atty. Abdul Rashid P. Kalim reiterated the Commission’s full commitment and support to CSOs on issues pertaining to human rights protection and promotion.

In his address, Chairman Kalim said that in the context of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), these ever-present and engaging CSOs are the ones that aid in giving and procuring reports and monitoring records regarding human rights violations. In addition, they are also quick to address and be on the site of a series of conflicts to generate favorable outcomes for the affected civilians. They assist in the execution of peace talks and coordinate well with the government to maximize and expedite the process of peacekeeping for the people.

Chairperson Kalim also discussed vital human rights-related issues confronting the BARMM, especially its achievements, challenges, and prospects.

Being a network of CSOs and non-government organizations (NGOs) in Mindanao, the CSO Summit 2023 was successfully convened by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) last January 17 – 19 at the Ebrahim Hall, EM Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.

It is worth mentioning that the BHRC and the CBCS forged a partnership in late 2021 by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement for the purpose of strengthening the reporting and monitoring of human rights cases and advocating for transitional justice for the Bangsamoro.

  

The three-day summit was characterized by conversations and dialogues that lead to shared commitments of all stakeholders to forge durable solutions that will result in a smooth transition to normalization and sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

CBCS also invited resource persons and guests from BARMM Ministries, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Members, and other Organizations.

The summit’s goals include developing a mechanism of collaboration among important stakeholders: the BTA, development partners, and the CSOs in support of achieving a smooth transition; promoting convergence among the CSOs in identifying agenda in support of the transition and beyond; soliciting recommendations from the stakeholders on programs and activities towards building strong social cohesion and unity among the Bangsamoro leaders; and promoting deeper awareness of the current socio-economic and political development in the BARMM such as the challenges and prospects.

The BHRC and the CBCS Network, as well as the wider Civil Society community, believe that this is the time of “Putting our acts together to Strengthen Social Cohesion and Solidarity in Support of the Bangsamoro Transition and Beyond.”