Basilan OKs measure Protecting rights defenders

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the provincial government of Basilan for the passage of an ordinance protecting human rights defenders.

“The CHR commends the provincial government for its proactive engagement with civil society through meaningful consultations, which reflects the spirit of cooperation between the government and its constituents in the development of this ordinance,” the commission said in a statement.

“We view this positive development as a potential catalyst for similar local legislation across the country, with the aim of fostering a more conducive environment for human rights protection at the grassroots level,” it added.

The ordinance, approved in August, is the first local legislation by a provincial government that is specifically dedicated to the protection of rights defenders.

It provides a clear definition of who qualifies as a rights defender, which the CHR said enables the provincial government “to better identify individuals or groups entitled to protection.”

The measure outlines the obligations of the government and other duty-bearers to ensure that fundamental freedoms of human rights defenders are safeguarded.

It guarantees a secure environment that allows rights defenders to carry out their work without fear of arbitrary arrest or enforced disappearance.

In April 2023, Isabela City in Basilan passed the first local human rights defenders’ protection bill. It paved the way for the passage of a counterpart ordinance at the provincial level.