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
Sa Araw ng Kalayaan, gunitain ang laban ng sambayanan para sa karapatan
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Sa ika-125 taong anibersaryo ng tagumpay ng rebolusyong Pilipino ipinagdiriwang natin ang Araw ng Kalayaan. Mahalagang alalahanin ang diwa ng kalayaang ito na nag ugat sa pangarap ng buong sambayanang lumaya sa pagka alipin at kolonyalismo. Bunsod ng hangaring mabuhay bilang nagsasariling bansa, inilunsad ang himagsikang bayan at ipinanalo ang kalayaan mula sa dayuhang mananakop, upang pamunuan at pandayin ang kinabukasang may dangal at pag asa.
FREE LEILA DE LIMA NOW! JUSTICE FOR ALL THE VICTIMS OF DUTERTE-MARCOS’ WAR ON DRUGS!
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In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) is elated, and congratulates former Senator Leila de Lima on beating the second case filed against her by the former Duterte administration. This is a vindication of her innocence of which she has never wavered in asserting throughout the past six years. De Lima, one of the country’s most prominent human rights defenders, is a staunch opponent of the bloody war on drugs.
Sigaw ng kababaihan: LUPA, KALIKASAN, KABUHAYAN!
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Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan
Sa pandaigdigang araw ng kababaihan ginugunita at binibigyang pugay ng iDEFEND ang makasaysayang pakikibaka ng kababaihan tungo sa kalayaan, kapayapaan at pagkakapantay-pantay. Nasaksihan natin kung paano ang bawat tagumpay sa laban ng kababaihan ay nag aangat sa lipunan sa mas mataas na antas ng kaunlaran at kagalingan, kung kaya’t ano mang pagbabagong ating hinahangad ay magiging makahulugan lamang kung nababago nito ang kalagayan ng kababaihan.
Statement on the HRD Protection Bill
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iDEFEND welcomes the approval of the House Committee on Human Rights of the consolidated version of the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Act (HRDPA) which would mandate the government to protect HRDs.
This is an important milestone in efforts to secure protection for rights defenders (HRDs) from threats and harassment as a result of their related activities. It is likewise an important pushback against shrinking civic spaces as a result of the government’s continuing war against dissent.