The Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines today signed a memorandum of understanding for a long-term cooperation and partnership in advancement of women and girls’ human rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

“This partnership with the Commission on Human Rights is built on our commitment to uphold, protect and promote human rights in accordance with human rights principles and standards. In doing so, we recognize that women and girls in all their intersecting identities continually face challenges and discrimination in realizing their rights,” said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane.

“As the Philippines is a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), we recognise the crucial role of the CHR in undertaking measures to oppose the effects of discrimination against women. Therefore, our partnership is centered on supporting CHR as the Gender Ombud in addressing the CEDAW and UPR recommendations specific to the sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence,” she added.

Meanwhile, CHR Chairperson Richard Paat Palpal-Iatoc thanked UNFPA for its continued partnership.

"Of course, this agreement will continue to strengthen and enforce the programs and activities of the Commission on Human Rights with regard to protection and promotion of human rights, especially for women," he said.

Among the activities that the CHR and UNFPA will be undertaking are (1) the capacity building of female detention facility jail wardens on the SRHR of women deprived of liberty; and (2) the capacity building of women with disabilities to be recognised as gender-based violence watch group in Northern Mindanao (Region X).