COMMISSION PROPER HOLDS 2ND REGULAR MEETING, APPROVES 2021 ANNUAL REPORT AND BANGSAMORO WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Cotabato City, BARMM – On May 2, 2023, the Commission Proper of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) convened on its second regular meeting to discuss and approve two critical resolutions.
The meeting was attended by Chairperson Atty. Abdul Rashid P. Kalim, Commissioner Archie U. Buaya, MPA, and Commissioner Atty. Dayang-Dayang Khadija J. Baguinda-Dambong, who participated via Zoom Meetings.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Secretariat and the Executive Assistants of the Commission Proper.
The meeting had two vital items on the agenda: the Approval of the Resolution Adopting the BHRC 2021 Annual Report and the Approval of the Resolution Adopting the Guidelines of the Bangsamoro Witness Protection Program. These resolutions are of great importance to the Commission as they reflect its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the Bangsamoro region.
The approval of the Resolution adopting the BHRC 2021 Annual Report is a significant milestone for the Commission. The annual report serves as a comprehensive documentation of the activities and accomplishments of the BHRC in promoting and protecting human rights in the Bangsamoro region.
It also includes an analysis of the human rights situation in the region and recommendations to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. The report will be submitted to the Office of the President, the Office of the Chief Minister, and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, making it a crucial document in the region’s human rights landscape.
Meanwhile, the approval of the Resolution adopting the Guidelines of the Bangsamoro Witness Protection Program is equally critical. The Witness Protection Program was established in pursuance of the provisions of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4, otherwise known as the “Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019,” and due to the prevalence of human rights violations and abuses in the Bangsamoro region. The program aims to protect witnesses and their families who are at risk of retaliation for providing information about human rights violations and abuses.
During the meeting, the Commissioners discussed the guidelines of the program and made necessary amendments to ensure that the program is effective in protecting witnesses and their families.
The Commissioners also discussed the importance of the program in promoting accountability for human rights violations and abuses in the region.
The successful approval of the two vital resolutions underscores the BHRC’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the Bangsamoro region.
The Commission’s work is instrumental in ensuring that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled in the region, and it remains a critical partner in advancing the human rights agenda.