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
Hustisya para kay Juan Jumalon at sa iba pang mamamahayag na biktima ng karahasan at paglabag sa karapatang pantao!
| Statement
Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa pagkakapaslang kay DJ Johnny Walker
Mariing kinokondena ng In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDefend) ang pagpaslang sa brodkaster na si Ginoong Juan Jumalon, kilala bilang DJ Johnny Walker, sa loob mismo ng kanyang tahanan at studio, noong ika-5 ng Nobyembre. Binaril si Jumalon ng ilang salarin habang naka livestream sa Calamba, Misamis Occidental. Si Jumalon ang ika apat na mamamahayag na pinaslang sa ilalim ng gobyernong Marcos Jr.
iDefend Condemns Israel War Crimes
| Statement
In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) vehemently condemns the unabated bombings of Gaza and the attacks on its civilian population including the bombing of the Al-Ahli Hospital last week, and continued threats to target civilian establishments, especially hospitals. These acts including ongoing raids and killings in Ramallah, East Jerusalem and the West Bank amounts to crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by Israel on the Palestinian people.
JUSTICE CANNOT WAIT
| Statement
Statement on the ICC decision rejecting the Philippine appeal on its investigation
One year of PBBM – “more of Dutertismo, but without the vulgarity”- iDefend
| Statement
Statement on the President’s one year in office
President Marcos Jr. reached his one year mark in office without substantially addressing the human rights crises he inherited from the Duterte government, nor has he taken meaningful steps to exact accountability for continuing human rights violations and corporate led human rights abuses against the Filipino people.