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
AO 22: more of the same cheap stunts seeking international favor
| Statement
The recently announced Administrative Order 22 creating the Human Rights Coordinating Committee by President Marcos Jr. will replace the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) which is ending its term in June this year. The Joint Program on Human Rights was a result of the UN Human Rights Council resolution towards capacity building for the Philippines, in light of the devastating war on drugs and war on terror by the previous Duterte government.
“Red tagging threatens life, liberty and security of Filipinos”- Supreme Court
| Statement
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND ) welcomes the Supreme Court ruling on red-tagging in the face of continuing threats to the life and safety of human rights and environmental defenders in the country. The Court affirmed the pernicious impact of such practice which was institutionalized by the previous Duterte government and allowed by the present Marcos Jr. government. The ruling proved that red tagging poses a threat to people’s life, liberty, and security.
To Protect Filipino Seafarers, the Philippine Government must call for stronger measures towards a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza Now!
| Statement
To this day since November 19, 2023, when the cargo vessel Galaxy Leader was seized by the Houthis, 17 Filipino member of the ship's crew are still being held in Yemen.
In their most recent attack, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile that struck another ship named True Confidence and killed three seafarers, two of whom are Filipinos, and injured four others.
Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Buwan ng Kababaihan
| Statement
Ginugunita ngayong taon ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Kababaihan kasabay ng mas tumitinding mga usapin at atake sa mga kababaihan at kanilang mga kinabibilangang komunidad at sektor.