Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 77th Session, 2025 Philippines
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), a coalition of over 66 grassroots organizations and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (the Committee) as it reviews the Philippines’ Seventh Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
This submission draws upon the inputs from grassroots organizations advocating for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on marginalized populations. It critically analyzes the Philippine government’s performance in fulfilling its ICESCR obligations, including adherence to core principles such as ensuring Minimum Essential Levels of rights, preventing retrogressive measures, and addressing discrimination. The State’s obligation to prioritize those at greatest risk remains paramount, even in the context of resource constraints.
News
Marcos HINDI Bayani!
| Statement
Sa ika-6 na taong pagkakalibing ni Ferdinand Marcos Sr. sa Libingan ng mga Bayani ating iginigiit muli ang pagkundena sa pagbaluktot ng ating kasaysayan at ang paglaganap ng kasinungalingang bayani ang yumaong diktador. Nananatiling kriminal si Marcos dahil ng karumal dumal na mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao noong panahon ng kanyang batas militar na magpahanggang ngayon ay walang napaparusahan.
Philippine government urged to accept and implement important recommendations of the human rights UPR 41
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In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) deeply appreciates the support of States to the recommendations of iDEFEND and other CSOs in this year’s universal periodic review of the Philippines. These recommendations were raised before the government in today’s Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council.
Human rights groups raise crucial issues ahead of Monday’s Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines
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Geneva, Switzerland- Human rights groups including In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Lilak Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights and Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC) hoped that the fourth cycle of the Universal Period review of the Philippines brings more positive response from the government than the previous cycle.
100 days and failing: Marcos Jr’s first hundred days as President
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The first 100 days of President Marcos Jr.’s administration spelled 100 days of failed governance as inflation continues to wreak havoc on the people’s income. Reaching the highest at almost seven percent in four years, and even at double digit figures in some regions, inflation meant that the most basic food items such as rice, sugar and salt are disappearing from the dining table of the poorest populations. Rising prices in fuel, electricity, water and other utilities have also affected major goods and services.