CHR assures monitoring, assessment of cases involving child trafficking, abuse, exploitation

Commission on Human Rights (CHR)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has assured its continuous monitoring and assessment of the findings by United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) Mama Fatima Singhateh on child trafficking, forced marriage and labor, and sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines.

Also, the CHR said it “will continue to work with the government in strengthening protection for the dignity and rights of children.”

During her visit to the country from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, UNSR Singhateh said that the Philippines remains to be the source and destination country for child trafficking, forced marriage and labor, and sexual exploitation.

The CHR said that while the UNSR lauded the Philippines' notable progress in combating trafficking, Singhateh said it is crucial to distinguish child trafficking and sale of children for sexual exploitation.

It said Singhateh pointed out that the sale of children for sexual exploitation is a specific offense that necessitate unique measures as opposed to child trafficking as an encompassing crime.

It also said it was stressed that the distinction “shall help ensure the establishment of specific mechanisms and methods that will best address this growing problem.”

During Singhateh's visit, the CHR said it provided initial inputs to issues posted by the UNSR prior to her arrival in the country.

It said that through our Child Rights Center, the CHR also participated in the series of national agencies cluster meetings and coordinated the dialogue-meetings with three CHR regional offices.

In its statement, the CHR said it “takes cognizance of the issues identified by Singhateh as part of her preliminary findings. In particular, UNSR Singhateh said that Philippines remains source and destination country for child trafficking, forced marriage, labor and sexual exploitation.”

It said that during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, CHR has similarly noted a significant increase in online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. In response, it said, it issued the “Advisory on the Protection of Children from Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on 3 June 2020 (https://bit.ly/3Po217y).”

On the continuing practice of child marriage in the Philippines, CHR reiterates its position on the primacy of the welfare and rights of the child regardless of cultural and religious beliefs.

“It is notable that the Philippines made a significant progress on this aspect with the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Act No. 11596 or the Prohibitions of Child Marriage Act last 7 December 2022,” it said.

At the same time, the CHR said it agrees with UNSR Singhateh “on the need for separate centers for children who are victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation so they may be provided with individualized and thorough intervention.”

“These are only some of the key findings of UNSR Singhateh, which CHR shall continue to monitor and assess. We are hopeful that all of the UNSR findings and recommendations are well-taken by the government to serve as guide in addressing the urgent situation of vulnerable children in our country,” it also said.

TAGS: #CHR #UNSR Singhateh # Child protection