The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday raised alarm over incidences of violence against women and children, saying violence, in whatever form, is never acceptable.
The CHR also called on the government to take proactive measures to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, while ensuring justice for all victims of human rights abuse and violations, and effective support to victims and survivors as a crucial component of fulfilling its human rights obligations.
It specifically took into account four separate reported cases from March 9 to March 13 targeting women and children, one of the most vulnerable sectors.
The first case involved a 67-year-old woman who was found dead in an isolated area in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The victim was beaten on the head allegedly by her son and was then stuffed inside a box.
The CHR also cited the brutal killing of 22-year-old Kimberly Achas by her live-in partner Elson Jamisola, who beat and stabbed the former.
The CHR cited the supposed rape of a 13-year-old student by her own grandfather since she was nine, and denounced the killing of four siblings, aged six to 14, in Trece Martires, Cavite by their stepfather.
Beyond the serious consequences upon those directly affected, the culture of fear and insecurity arising from violent incidents also impacts communities and further highlights the role of government in protecting the rights of all, including the rights to life, liberty, and security.
“As the country’s Gender Ombud, CHR strongly condemns these violent acts and stands with the victims’ families in their calls for swift justice and redress. Parallel to police probes, CHR is already conducting its independent motu proprio investigations on the aforementioned cases,” the commission said.
“In consonance also with our mandate as watchdog and monitor of the government with respect to human rights and its obligations, the Commission urges leaders to condemn to the highest degree the gravity and frequency of these abhorrent incidents. We must vehemently reject the normalization of violence against women and work toward building a nation where violence is not the norm, but an exception that is swiftly and effectively dealt with,” it added.
The CHR said the government as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child must uphold women and children’s rights through urgent action.