CHR probes poll-related human rights violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday said it will investigate reports of human rights violations related to the conduct of the national and local elections.

“In the monitoring work it has taken thus far, CHR and partner watchdogs have noted long-standing, recurring human rights violations attributed to the elections,” CHR executive director Jacqueline de Guia said.

She cited reports of disenfranchisement of several vulnerable groups, including indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and senior citizens; vote-buying; electoral fraud; voter intimidation and harassment and election-related violence.

“The strong shift to digital platforms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also enabled the proliferation of fake news and massive disinformation campaigns by troll armies online,” she added.

“The commission is resolute in the continued promotion and literacy of ordinary citizens when it comes to their human rights. CHR also continues to investigate the above-mentioned election-related cases to ascertain the culpability of violators,” she added.

De Guia said grave offenses will then be directly filed with the Commission on Elections.

The CHR has activated its Bantay Karapatan sa Halalan (BHK) initiative to monitor and report cases of election-related human rights violations.

“BHK is the convergence of electoral reform groups and human rights groups into one framework; providing access to evidence-based data for attainment of justice for victims and accountability of perpetrators of human rights violations,” said De Guia.

Partners include Amnesty International Philippines, Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Concerned Students for Justice and Peace, DAKILA-Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, DEPRIVE, Just Vote RSVP, iDefend, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Legal Network for Truthful Elections, Paralegal Training Program Alumni Association Inc., Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Security Reform Initiative and the Democratic Insights Group Inc.

“As concerned citizens, let us uphold the sanctity of our ballots. Let us collectively safeguard the freedom, integrity and credibility of our votes,” said the CHR official.

“We implore the public to stay vigilant for any irregularities or misdemeanors during the conduct of the general elections,” she added.