28 October 2016 — The 18-man United Nations’ Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (UN CESCR) welcomed and hailed the achievements and positive developments of the Philippines in advancing the human rights of the Filipinos in its Concluding Observations, an outcome document of the Philippines’ combined 5th and 6th periodic country report to the UN CESCR that was held in Geneva, Switzerland on September 28 to 29.   

The Committee particularly welcomed the adoption of a number of laws that protect and advance economic, social and cultural rights such as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (R.A. No. 10354) in 2012, the Anti-Enforced Disappearances Act (Republic Act No. 10353) in 2012, the Act amending the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 10022) in 2010, and the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) in 2009.

The Committee also welcomed the Philippines’ ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 2012.

 “This recognition of the UN Committee of the achievements of the Philippines does not only highlight the unwavering commitment of the country to human rights. More importantly is that fact that the Filipino people is assured of its government’s political will for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights as well as avenues to access effective remedies when these rights are violated.” said Ambassador Rebong.

At the Philippines’ combined 5th and 6th country reporting, NEDA Deputy Director General Dr. Rosemarie Edillon, co-head of the Philippine delegation, summed up the country’s thrust of uplifting the dignity and welfare of the Filipinos by meeting its obligations under the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Philippine delegation highlighted the government’s collaborative efforts aimed to promote, protect, and fulfill the human rights of its citizens, especially the vulnerable and marginalized sectors, through a range of measures focused on development and governance, health, education, adequate food and housing, environmental preservation, and respect for culture, in particular the implementation of the following initiatives:      
 

• adoption of a mining strategy to counter the adverse effects of irresponsible mining on the environment, as well as the review of the Mining Act and strengthening the effective empowerment of indigenous peoples;  

• human resource roadmap to address skills shortages and job mismatch, targeting the youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to increase their chances of employment; 

• a balanced local production and international trade strategy to ensure food security and sustainability of fishing resources especially for small and municipal fisherfolks;

• continuing efforts for the protection of migrant workers’ rights and welfare, prior to deployment, during their stay abroad and their reintegration back into local society;
  
  
• promotion of gender equality with strict adherence to the policy of “equal pay for equal work” and providing effective access avenues for redress of grievances;  

• intensifying proactive measures against human trafficking, not only in the prosecution of human traffickers but also in the protection, rehabilitation and compensation of victims, and partnership with domestic, regional, and international partners to curb trafficking in persons on which the Philippines has received regional and international recognition; 

• continuing pursuit of programs aimed at eradicating poverty while  affirming the country’s commitment to human rights, social justice and rule of law such as prioritization  in the allocation of funds to areas with the most number of the poor, with the highest incidence of poverty, and those that are vulnerable to multiple hazards, and ensuring housing tenure for informal settlers with the adoption of a zero-demolition policy in the absence of suitable relocation sites; 

• expansion of programs addressing the physical health and mental well being of its people anchored on principles of equity and inclusiveness, transparency and accountability, and efficient use of resources and provision of quality services;
  
  
• enhancing universal competitiveness of education by shifting from a 10-year to 12-year basic education cycle as well as strengthening the enabling environment and conditions for culture-based education especially for disadvantaged groups like the indigenous peoples; and 

• nurturing Philippine cultural heritage by respecting and protecting cultural diversity.

The Philippine delegation was composed of officials from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Health, Labor and Employment, Agriculture, and Education, as well as representatives from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and the National Housing Authority.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was established under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and is mandated to monitor and assist states in implementing their obligations under this Convention.  States, like the Philippines, which have ratified the Covenant report every five years to the said Committee.  END