Establishment

The Philippines Constitution of 1987 (Article XIII, Section 17) created the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines as an independent office with a mandate to promote the protection, respect for and enhancement of human rights.

The role and functions of the Commission are set out in Executive Order No. 163 (1987).

Role and functions

The Commission works with others to help build a Philippine society where the dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons are enjoyed and respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled by all, with a government committed to human rights standards, norms and practices.

Its key areas of work include:

• Prevention of human rights violation and abuses through advocacy, partnership, monitoring, information, education, research, and training
• Investigation, reporting, and monitoring of human rights violations and abuses
• Empowerment of victims of human rights violations and their families, other vulnerable sectors, and all stakeholders
• Recommendation and advocacy for appropriate rights-based legislative, administrative and judicial policies, programs and measures.

APF membership

The Commission has been an APF member since 1996 (founding member).

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APF meets with CHR Philippines leadership team

The APF met with leaders of the CHR Philippines to discuss the institution's current priorities and potential areas of APF support.

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