The meeting was intended to identify areas of improvement between the UNFPA and the BHRC concerning the Gender and Development (GAD) mandate of the latter and how both can collaborate for GAD work.

Under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4, otherwise known as the “Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019,” the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission shall, without prejudice to Republic Act No. 9710, or the “Magna Carta of Women,” act as the Gender and Development Ombud for the Bangsamoro. As such, it shall undertake measures relating to the promotion and protection of women’s rights under the said law and international human rights instruments.

UNFPA officials who were present in the meeting include Dr. Joseph Michael Singh (Programme Head); Ms. Monica Carco (Gender Adviser); Ms. Luisa Escobar (Gender Specialist); Sittie Manato (IVPO/Gender); Ms. Joyce Cea Flores (Program Analyst/Gender); and Ms. Desiree Joy Granil (Program Assistant/Gender).

The proposed collaboration between the UNFPA and the BHRC will serve to strengthen the Gender and Development mandate of the latter and will facilitate learning exchanges with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

#FortheBangsamoroHumanRights
#BHRC
#BangsamoroHumanRightsCommission
#unfpa