QC eyes human rights action center

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government plans to put up a human rights action center (HRAC) to establish a continuing program of research and education to enhance the respect of residents for human rights.

Fourth district Councilor Bayani Hipol filed his proposed measure after the signing of the agreement between the city government and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Earlier, CHR chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales said the agreement seeks to turn Quezon City into a model city in terms of protecting and promoting human rights.

Once approved, the ordinance will pave way for the creation of an HRAC in the city, which will operate directly under the office of Mayor Herbert Bautista.

The center shall “provide legal and paralegal assistance to victims of human rights violations (and) mobilize sectoral groups and locally based people’s organizations and civil society organizations in the community to participate in human rights activities,” Hipol added in his proposal.

The proposal is currently pending before the city council.