12 Commission On Human Rights

Summary

The video script discusses the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines, established under the 1987 Constitution to uphold human rights and dignity. The CHR is an independent body that investigates violations and monitors the government's adherence to international human rights treaties. It clarifies misconceptions, emphasizing its role as an investigatory, not prosecutory, entity. The script also highlights the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, which includes 30 articles covering civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, aiming to foster global peace and justice.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines was established as an independent office following the drafting of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, with a goal to protect and promote human rights and dignity.
• 👮‍♂️ Misconceptions about the CHR being biased towards teachers or the military are clarified, emphasizing its role as an impartial investigatory body.
• 🔍 The CHR is mandated to investigate human rights violations and monitor the government's adherence to international human rights treaties, but it does not have the power to prosecute.
• 📜 The CHR advocates for and monitors the protection of human rights in the country, guided by the United Nations' International Bill of Human Rights.
• 🌍 The Philippines adheres to various international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
• 📜 The UDHR was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1948 to promote fundamental human rights and freedoms for all, regardless of nationality, sex, language, or religion.
• 🕊️ The UDHR begins by recognizing the inherent dignity of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.
• 🌐 The United Nations was formed after World War II with the main purpose of preventing wars and promoting a better world, representing diverse legal and cultural backgrounds globally.
• 📝 The UDHR includes 30 articles that outline civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, such as the right to life, liberty, free speech, social security, health, and education.
• 💼 The discussion on human rights is also tied to the challenges of corruption and violence, which can deter foreign investment and affect the willingness of investors to engage with the country.
• 📚 The script suggests that understanding and promoting human rights, as outlined in the UDHR, is crucial for building a society where people can live happily and freely.

Q & A

What is the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines?

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the Philippines is an independent office created during the drafting of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. It is mandated to investigate human rights violations and monitor the government's adherence to international human rights treaties.

What are some misconceptions about the CHR?

Misconceptions about the CHR include the belief that it approaches insurgent organizations like teachers and the military, whereas in truth, it is an independent and disinterested body.

What powers does the CHR have regarding human rights violations?

The CHR has the power to investigate human rights violations on its own or upon complaint. However, it does not have the power to prosecute or send the accused to prison; it acts as an investigatory body.

How does the CHR assist victims of human rights violations?

The CHR assists victims of human rights violations by identifying the violations and helping those who have been victimized, although it does not have the authority to prosecute.

What are the main international treaties on human rights that guide the CHR's work?

The main international treaties that guide the CHR's work include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

What is the purpose of the United Nations (UN)?

The main purpose of the United Nations is to prevent wars between countries and to build a better world, represented by different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world.

Why was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights drafted and proclaimed by the UN?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted and proclaimed by the UN to recognize the inherent dignity of all human beings as the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

When and where was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declared?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared in December 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris.

What are the types of rights included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes civil and political rights, such as the right to life, liberty, free speech, and privacy, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights like the right to social security, health, and education.

How many articles are there in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

There are 30 articles in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

How does the CHR's role relate to foreign investment in the Philippines?

The CHR's role in investigating and monitoring human rights violations can help create a more transparent and accountable environment, which may encourage foreign investors to engage with the country by ensuring that human rights are respected.