BHRC GUIDELINES
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission under Article VI, Sections 35 – 44 of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4, otherwise known as the “Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019,” the following Rules of Procedure of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission are hereby prescribed and promulgated:
The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC), the regional human rights institution in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) tasked with the protection and promotion of human rights in the region, is mandated under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No 4 to implement a witness protection program.
These Guidelines are primarily for the use of staff, management and leadership of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission to make use of as they perform their mandate of protection and promotion of children’s rights in the Bangsamoro. It lays down policy framework of the Commission in dealing with children’s human rights issues and concerns.
These Guidelines are primarily for the use of staff, management and leadership of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission to make use of as they perform their mandate of protection and promotion of children’s rights in the Bangsamoro. It lays down policy framework of the Commission in dealing with children’s human rights issues and concerns.
The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) is an independent institution in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) created by virtue of Republic Act. No. 11054,1 otherwise known as the “Bangsamoro Organic Law”, and further operationalized by Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4, also known as the “Bangsamoro Human Rights Act of 2019”.
As the human rights institution of BARMM, the Commission shall promote and protect human rights, and during armed conflict, uphold humanitarian law.2 In pursuant of such mandate, this Guidelines on the Grant of Financial and Legal Assistance to Victims of Human Rights Violations and Abuses is hereby drafted.
This guideline has the overarching objective of giving financial and legal assistance to victims of human rights violations and abuses or their families, and to cushion the economic impact of such violations and abuses on the survivors and their families.
BHRC REPORTS
“Bangsamoro” as used in Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) is far from being only about Bangsamoro, the region – it is, more importantly, about Bangsamoro, the people.
The Commission’s efforts extend beyond administrative boundaries as it has, since its establishment, promoted the central message that human rights are for all. It has since committed to championing not only the rights of the people within the region, but equally of those who share the same identity and dream the same aspirations as them. With this deep sense of purpose in mind and in heart, we humbly present Awang: Human Rights Landscape of the Bangsamoro Beyond the Bangsamoro.
Throughout history, the Bangsamoro people have been connected in ways that transcend the reality of being separated geographically—with mainland BARMM, the island provinces, and the rest of the neighboring areas where many of our communities have thrived—one thing has always connected the people: water.
“Awang”, which signifies “boat” in one of the Bangsamoro’s local languages, represents a way in which we voyage through the waters as a people. It symbolizes going beyond the horizon and including everyone in the journey. It means reaching out to our fellow Bangsamoro, even if it means we have to row harder.
The impending 2025 elections signifies a major milestone for the Bangsamoro people. For the first time, they will vote in a regional election that reflects their values and aspirations for their homeland. The success of this landmark election is crucial towards the continued pursuit for selfdetermination and moral governance in the Bangsamoro.
It is for this very purpose that the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) presents Democracy in the Bangsamoro: Special Monitoring Report on Electoral Processes in the BARMM, which thoroughly details election procedures and occurrences, both at the national and local levels across the recent years, within the region. This report is especially relevant as it looks at previous elections that immediately precede the 2025 elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in drawing out recommendations for an honest and human rights-respecting electoral process.
As the region prepares for its first election, it is vital that the Bangsamoro is encouraged to engage in the democratic process in so practicing their rights and help build a just and accountable BARMM governance. The Commission remains steadfast in its objective to protect and promote the rights of the Bangsamoro, including and especially their right to suffrage, and is committed to working together with all sectors of society to achieve this aim.