What Are Human Rights
Content
The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) is an
institution in the autonomous region that promotes, protects,
upholds and fulfills human rights of the Bangsamoro
The independent human rights institution in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM), Philippines. Email us at: [email protected]
or check out the following sites: http://twitter.com/ARMMRHRC
http://www.youtube.com/user/ARMMRHRC
Long Description
The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) is the sole regional human rights state agency in
the ARMM, created by virtue of Section 16 of Republic Act No. 9054 (2001) and operationalized by
the ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012 (Muslim Mindanao Act No. 288). The
establishment of the RHRC affirms the Bangsamoro's right to promote human rights and to prevent
and address human rights violations.
The RHRC is an independent office that has the same powers and mandate as the national
Commission on Human Rights. It has primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint or
on its own initiative, cases of human rights violations within the Autonomous Region, to include civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Mission
The mission of RHRC, as an independent institution imbued with probity and competence, is to
promote, protect, uphold, and fulfill human rights in the Bangsamoro by empowering communities for
the progressive realization of their rights and ensure that those responsible comply with human rights
standards towards transformative justice, peace, and development.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence,
sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled
to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and
indivisible.
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary
international law , general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights
law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order
to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
source: www.ohchr.org
What are human rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our
nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion,
language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights
without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and
indivisible.
Related liks
Universal Declaration
of Human Rights
Human
Face
Human Rights
for
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the
forms of treaties, customary international law , general principles and other Human Rights Day
sources of international law. International human rights law lays down
obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain List of Human Rights
acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental issues
freedoms of individuals or groups.
Human Rights in the
Universal and inalienable
World
The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of
international human rights law. This principle, as first emphasized in the International Human
Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948, has been reiterated in Rights Law
numerous international human rights conventions, declarations, and
resolutions. The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, for
example, noted that it is the duty of States to promote and protect all human
rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political, economic and
cultural systems.
All States have ratified at least one, and 80% of States have ratified four or
more, of the core human rights treaties, reflecting consent of States which
creates legal obligations for them and giving concrete expression to
universality. Some fundamental human rights norms enjoy universal
protection by customary international law across all boundaries and
civilizations.
Human rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away, except in
specific situations and according to due process. For example, the right to
liberty may be restricted if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of
law.
Interdependent and indivisible
All human rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights,
such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression;
economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to work, social
security and education , or collective rights, such as the rights to
development and self-determination, are indivisible, interrelated and
interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the
others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others.
Equal and non-discriminatory
Non-discrimination is a crosscutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in
all the major human rights treaties and provides the central theme of some
of international human rights conventions such as the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.
The principle applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms
and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of a list of non-exhaustive
categories such as sex, race, colour and so on. The principle of nondiscrimination is complemented by the principle of equality, as stated in
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are
born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Both Rights and Obligations
Human rights entail both rights and obligations. States assume obligations
and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human
rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from
interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to
protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human
rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive
action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. At the individual
level, while we are entitled our human rights, we should also respect the
human rights of others.
List of Human Rights Issues
Adequate Housing
Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right
Toolkit on the right to adequate housing
Administration of Justice
Expert Consultation on the Administration of Justice
Business and Human Rights
Business and Human Rights
Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises
Children
Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
OHCHR Thematic reports on children
Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
United Nations Study on Violence against Children
Civil and Political Rights
Human Rights Committee (HRC)
Climate change
Human Rights and climate Change
Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Coercive measures
Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures
Unilateral coercive measures and human rights
Cultural rights
Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights
Death penalty
Death penalty
Democracy
Equal participation in political and public affairs
Rule of Law - Democracy and Human Rights
Detention
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Development (Good Governance and Debt)
Development - Good governance
Human rights and the financial crisis
Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the f
social and cultural rights
Open-ended working group on the right to development
Right to development
Disability and Human Rights
Human Rights of persons with disabilities
Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Disappearances
Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED)
Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
Discrimination
A special focus on discrimination
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Portal (ESCR)
Open-ended Working Group on an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Righ
Education
Human rights education and training
Special Rapporteur on the right to education
Environment
Human Rights and the Environment
Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment
Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of haz
Executions
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Food
Special Rapporteur on the right to food
Toolkit on the Right to Food
Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Freedom of expression and advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violenc
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
OHCHR Seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in th
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Freedom of Religion and Belief
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Health
Consultation on Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental
Toolkit on the Right to Health
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS and Human Rights
Human Rights Defenders
Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
Human rights education and training
Human rights education and training
United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training
World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing)
Human Rights Indicators
Human Rights Indicators
Independence of Judiciary
Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
Indigenous Peoples
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Fellowship programme
Main page Indigenous
Open-ended inter-sessional Working Group on the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Working group on indigenous populations
Internal Displacement
Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
International Order
Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
International Solidarity
Independent expert on human rights and international solidarity
Mercenaries
Special Rapporteur on use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determinat
Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determinat
Migration
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW)
Migration and Human Rights
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
Millenium Development Goals and Human Rights
The Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda
Minorities
Fellowship programme
Main page Minorities
Special Rapporteur on minority issues
Nationality
Right to a Nationality and Statelessness
Older persons
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
Older persons
Plans of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
National Plans of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Poverty
Human rights dimension of poverty
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
The draft guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights: the rights of the poor
Privacy
Right to Privacy in the Digital Age
Racism
Ad-Hoc Committee on the elaboration of complementary standards
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Durban Review Conference (2009)
Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
Group of Independent Eminent Experts
Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
International Decade for People of African Descent
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism
Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Durban (2001)
Rule of Law
Rule of Law
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Situations
Working Group on Situations
Slavery
Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of slavery
Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Terrorism
Independent expert on Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism
Torture
Committee against Torture (CAT)
Special Rapporteur on torture
Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
Trade and Investment
Business and human rights
Trade and investment
Traditional values
Human rights and traditional values
Trafficking in Persons
Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children
Transitional Justice
Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
Water and sanitation
Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation
Toolkit on the Right to Water and Sanitation
Women
Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
Women's Rights and Gender main page
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice
Youth
Human rights of youth
RLA Bill No. 09
Republic of the PhilippinesAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Cotabato City
EVENTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYFirst Regular Session
[ MUSLIM MINDANAO AUTONOMY ACT NO. 288]
Begun and held in Cotabato City, on Monday, the fourteenth day of May 2012.
AN ACT OPERATIONALIZING SECTION SIXTEEN ARTICLE THREEOF REPUBLIC ACT 9054,
ESTABLISHING
A
CHARTER
FOR T H E H U M A N
RIGHTS
COMMISSION
I N T H E A U T O N O M O U S REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, PROVIDING GUIDELINESFOR ITS
OPERATIONS, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Be it enacted by the Regional Assembly in session assembled: S e c t i o n
1 . Ti t l e . -T h i s A c t s h a l l b e k n o w n a s t h e " A R M M H u m a n R i g h t s
Commission
Charter
o f 2 0 1 2 . ” S e c . 2 . S t a t e a n d A R M M Re g i o n a l G o v e r n m e n t Po l i c y a n d P r i n c
i p l e s o n H u m a n R i g h t s . -It
is the
declared policy
of
the State
and
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to value the dignity of every human
person and guarantee full respect for human rights. The State and the
ARMM shall give the highest priority to the enactment of measures that
protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity. For purposes of
this Act, the following international and national human and recognized by the
State shall serve as directional indicators in the interpretation and
implementation of this Act:1 . A r t i c l e I I I o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n ; 2.Republic
Act. No. 9054, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao”;3 . Re p u b l i c A c t N o . 9 7 4 5 , o t h e r w i s e k n o w n
a s t h e “A n t i -To r t u r e A c t o f 2 0 0 9 ” ; 4 . Re p u b l i c A c t N o . 9 8 5 1 , a l s o
k n o w n a s t h e " P h i l i p p i n e A c t O n C r i m e s A g a i n s t International
Humanitarian
Law,
Genocide,
and
Other
Crimes
Against
Humanity";5 . U n i v e r s a l D e c l a r a t i o n o f H u m a n R i g h t s ( 1 9 4 8
I.THE REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIO
N
A.
Nature
of
the
Regional
Commission
Sec. 3. TheRe gionalComm ission as an
I n d e p e n d e n t O ffi c e . –
T h e R e g i o n a l H u m a n R i g h t s C o m m i s s i o n i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t re g i
o n a l o ffi c e w i t h i n t h e A u t o n o m o u s Re g i o n t h a t s h a l l have the same
powers and mandates as the national Commission on Human Rights (CHR). It
shall not be
subject to
instructions or
orders from
the President, Congress, Judiciary, ARMM Re g i o n a l G o v e rn o r o r
Re g i o n a l
Le g i s l a t i v e A s s e m b l y ,
e xc e p t i n c a s e s
p ro v i d e d i n t h e Constitution and RA 9054with regard to the
appointment of its Chairperson and Members ,national and
autonomous region legislation aff ecting the exercise of its powers
and functions ,and judicial review of the legality of its acts,
orders, resolutions or decisions. S e c . 4 . T h e R e g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n
a s t h e Re g i o n a l H u m a n R i g h t s I n s t i t u t i o n w i t h i n t h e
A R M M . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n , d u l y c re a t e d b y RA
9054,is
the
regional
human
rights
institution
within the
Autonomous
Region
in
Muslim
M i n d a n a o i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e Principles Relating to
the Status of National Institutions (“The Paris Principles”) and other United
Nations' Resolutions pertaining to the effective functioning of national human
rights institutions. The Regional Commissions hall have a mutual,
coordinative, and complementary relationship with the national CHR
in the performance of its mandates and obligations. It shall
c o o r d i n a t e i t s p ro g r a m s a n d p o l i c i e s w i t h t h e n a t i o n a l C H R
a n d t h e O ffi c e o f t h e Re g i o n a l Governor of the Autonomous Region.
Sec.
5 . A u t o m a t i c re l e a s e o f f u n d s . –
The
Re g i o n a l
C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l e n j o y f u l l fi s c a l autonomy within the ARMM.
The approved annual appropriations of the Regional Commission
within the General Appropriations Act of the ARMM shall be
automatically and regularly released.
II. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
A.
General
Powers
and
FunctionsS e c .
G e n e r a l Po w e r s a n d Fu n c t i o n s o f t h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n . T h e R e g i o n a l H u m a n RightsCommissionshall have the following general
functions:
11.
powers
and
P a g e 5 MMA 288
1.Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights
violations committed within the Autonomous Region
;2.Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for direct and indir ect
contempt those in violation thereof or of its lawful orders in accordance with the Rules of Court;
3.Provide appropriate legal and preve ntive measures for th e protection of human rights
of all persons within the Autonomous Region, as well as Autonomous Region constituents
residing abroad;
4.Provide legal aid services to the underprivileged residents of the Autonomous Region
whose human rights have been violated or need protection;
5.Exercise unhampered and unrestrained visitorial powers at any
t i m e o v e r j a i l s , p r i s o n s , detention facilities, locate d within the Autonom ous
Region, and it shall have unrestricted access to any detention facility inside military camps,
police lock-up cells, jails, prisons ,youth homes, and any detention, rehabilitation, confinement and
other similar facilities pursuant to R.A. No. 9745, otherwise known as the “Anti-Torture Act of 2009”;
6.Establish a continuing prog ram of rese arch, education and information to enhance
respectfor the primacy of human rights;
7 . R e c o m m e n d t o t h e R e g i o n a l A s s e m b l y a n d t o C o n g r e s s e ff e c t i v e m e a s u r e s
t o p r o m o t e human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights,
or their families;
8.Monitor
the
Philippine
and
ARMM
Regional
c o m p l i a n c e w i t h international treaty obligations on human rights;
Governments’
9.Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose t estimony or possession
of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation
conducted by it or under its authority;
10.Request the assistance of any department,
Autonomous Region in the performance of its functions;
bureau, offi ce
or agency
withi n
the
11.Deputize government prosecutors or pri vate lawyers within the Autonomous
Region ,who shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Regional
Commission, for the prosecution of human rights cases, including cases of torture and other
cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment under R.A. 9745;
Page 6MMA 288
12.Accredit
national
non-government and
peoples'
organizations
involved
in
human
rights promotion, protection
and advocacy, including for purposes of visiting
persons arrested
,detained or under custodial investigation;
13.Ensure that the status, rights and interests of women and children are
u p h e l d i n accordance with the Constitution, laws and international instruments on human rights;
14.Create, establish, organize, restructure, compress and otherwise manage ,such
offi ces and centers the Regional Commission deems necessary, fi t and appropriate for
the effective fulfillment of its mandate, including a sub-regional office ,provincial offices and centers
for specific thematic matters;
15.Empowered to fi le Writ of Amparo and Mandamus;
16.Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
17.Perform such other powers, duties and functions as may be provided by law.B.
InvestigationS e c .
1 2 . I n v e s t i g a t i v e Po w e r s a n d Fu n c t i o n s . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l
e x e r c i s e primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint ormotuproprio, cases of huma
n rights violations within the Autonomous Regionto include civil, political, economic,
social andcultural rights. In the exercise of its investigative function, the Commission shall have
thefollowing powers:
1 . A c t p r o m p t l y o n c o m p l a i n t s fi l e d i n a n y f o r m o r m a n n e r b y
a n y p e r s o n , w h e t h e r directly affected or not, and on a finding of human rights violation,
recommend
the
filingof
appropriate administrative,
civil
and/or criminal
action. Any
investigation beingconducted by any other body shall not be a barto the investigation of the
Commission;
2.Compel the
attendance
of
witnesses
and
the
production
o f e v i d e n c e , t o p l a c e t h e witnesses under oath or affirmation, issue subpoenas and take
testimony in anyinvestigation or inquiry;
3.Issue orders and
directivesconstituting
preventive and
l e g a l m e a s u r e s , p r o v i d e d f o r under sections 14 and 15respectively;
4 . P r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n a n d fi n a n c i a l a s s i s t a n c e t o w i t n e s s e s t o e n s u r e
t h e i r a t t e n d a n c e i n investigations and production of evidence
D. Education and Advocacy
Se c. 24. E du cati o n an d Adv o ca cy i n G o v e rn m en t . – T h eRegi o n a l C om m i s s i o n
s h a l l undertake a program of human rights promotion and advocacy through education and training
toenhance respect for the primacy of human rights in coordination with the different agencies of the
government. It shall likewise administer a mandatory and continuing human rights
education program for the military, police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as public school
teachers,within the Autonomous Region,and shall, for this purpose , draw up the
components of the program, accredit course and training providers, and issue certificates of
completion to thosewho have successfully completed the program.
Se c. 25. E du ca ti o n an d Ad vo c acy i n C i vi l So c i etyi n th e A u to n o m o u s Regi o n . –
T h e RegionalCommission
shall
also undertake
a
human
rights
education,
advocacy,
and informationcampaign programs among sectors of civil societywithin the Autonomous Region,
particularlythe vulnerable, marginalized and underprivileged groups. In conducting this program,
theCommission
shall
actively
cooperate
and
coordinate
with
human
rights
nongovernmentorganizations, lawyers’ groups, the academe and people’s organizations of the concerned
sectorsof civil societywithin the Autonomous Regi on
.Sec. 26.
Research.–TheRegionalCommission shall undertake a
continuing
research ands t u d y
on
select human
rights
issueswithin
the
Autonomous
R e g i o n f o r p u r p o s e s o f recommending policy reforms, as well as administrative and legislative
measures that will alsoaddress economic, social and cultural rights
S e c . 2 7 . C o v e r a g e o f Pr o g r a m s . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l p re s c r i b e t h e
s c o p e and coverage of education, advocacy, informationand training programs on human rights,
andwhich will be provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.E. Other Powers and
Functions
Sec.
28. Witness
Protection
Program.–In
the
conduct
of its
investigations,
theRegionalCommission
shallcoordi nate
with
the
Department of
Justiceand
national CHRin
the provisiono f w i t n e s s p r o t e c t i o n p r o g r a m t o v i c t i m s o f h u
m a n r i g h t s v i o l a t i o n s a n d t h e i r w i t n e s s e s ,
P a g e 1 3 MMA 288including the provision of security, shelter, relocation and livelihood assistance to
witnesses andtheir families.
S e c . 2 9 . Fi n a n c i a l A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m . – T h e R e g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l e n h a n c e
i t s financial assistance program to victims ofhuman rights violations and their families.The
additionalfunding
for
the
Financial
Assistance Programs
shall
be allocated
for such purposes and shall be included thereafterin the annual regular appropriations for theRegionalC
ommissionand the ARMMRegional Government, and the same shall be automatically
andregularly released.
S e c . 3 0 . L e g a l A s s i s t a n c e Pro g r a m . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l i m p l e m e n t a
l e g a l assistance program to benefit victims of human rights violations consisting of the provision
of legal services in coordination with human rights organizations and lawyers’ groups, theIntegrated
Bar of the Philippines and Philippine law schools with legal aid programs,within theAutonomous
Region.U p o n
its
discretion,
t h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n
may
also
provide
a l l o w a n c e s a n d incentives to private lawyers or lawyers' groups who would render their
professional
services
on behalf of theRegionalCommission in any court proceeding involving the litigation of humanrights
cases
\].S e c .
31.
Protection
ofARMMOFWs and
Migrants.–
TheRegionalCommission
s h a l l undertake measures for the protection and
promotion of human rights ofARMM Overseas Filipino Workers and migrants. It may assign
organic personnel to act asHuman Rights Attachesin PhilippineEmbassies or consulates or deputize
Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers,resident private individuals of known probity and active
involvement in human rights work, or foreign-based human rights and migrant workers’ nongovernment organizations in countrieswhere the incidence of human rights violations ofARMM
OFWs
and
migrantsis
widespread
and commonplace,
including traditional host
countries ofOFWs.The assigned personnel acting as Human Rights Attache or deputized individuals of
theRegionalCommission shall monitor the status of human rights ofARMM OFWs and
migrantsliving abroad and establish networks among Filipinos for purposes of monitoring and
reportingcases of human rights violations,as well as for providing counseling and financial assistance
tovictims. They shall immediately notify the concerned Embassy officials of incidents of humanright
violations ofARMM OFWs and migrantsand provide immediate assistance to victims.
institution in the autonomous region that promotes, protects,
upholds and fulfills human rights of the Bangsamoro
The independent human rights institution in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM), Philippines. Email us at: [email protected]
or check out the following sites: http://twitter.com/ARMMRHRC
http://www.youtube.com/user/ARMMRHRC
Long Description
The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) is the sole regional human rights state agency in
the ARMM, created by virtue of Section 16 of Republic Act No. 9054 (2001) and operationalized by
the ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012 (Muslim Mindanao Act No. 288). The
establishment of the RHRC affirms the Bangsamoro's right to promote human rights and to prevent
and address human rights violations.
The RHRC is an independent office that has the same powers and mandate as the national
Commission on Human Rights. It has primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint or
on its own initiative, cases of human rights violations within the Autonomous Region, to include civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Mission
The mission of RHRC, as an independent institution imbued with probity and competence, is to
promote, protect, uphold, and fulfill human rights in the Bangsamoro by empowering communities for
the progressive realization of their rights and ensure that those responsible comply with human rights
standards towards transformative justice, peace, and development.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence,
sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled
to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and
indivisible.
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary
international law , general principles and other sources of international law. International human rights
law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order
to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
source: www.ohchr.org
What are human rights?
Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our
nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion,
language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights
without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and
indivisible.
Related liks
Universal Declaration
of Human Rights
Human
Face
Human Rights
for
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the
forms of treaties, customary international law , general principles and other Human Rights Day
sources of international law. International human rights law lays down
obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain List of Human Rights
acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental issues
freedoms of individuals or groups.
Human Rights in the
Universal and inalienable
World
The principle of universality of human rights is the cornerstone of
international human rights law. This principle, as first emphasized in the International Human
Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948, has been reiterated in Rights Law
numerous international human rights conventions, declarations, and
resolutions. The 1993 Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, for
example, noted that it is the duty of States to promote and protect all human
rights and fundamental freedoms, regardless of their political, economic and
cultural systems.
All States have ratified at least one, and 80% of States have ratified four or
more, of the core human rights treaties, reflecting consent of States which
creates legal obligations for them and giving concrete expression to
universality. Some fundamental human rights norms enjoy universal
protection by customary international law across all boundaries and
civilizations.
Human rights are inalienable. They should not be taken away, except in
specific situations and according to due process. For example, the right to
liberty may be restricted if a person is found guilty of a crime by a court of
law.
Interdependent and indivisible
All human rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights,
such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression;
economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to work, social
security and education , or collective rights, such as the rights to
development and self-determination, are indivisible, interrelated and
interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the
others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others.
Equal and non-discriminatory
Non-discrimination is a crosscutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in
all the major human rights treaties and provides the central theme of some
of international human rights conventions such as the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women.
The principle applies to everyone in relation to all human rights and freedoms
and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of a list of non-exhaustive
categories such as sex, race, colour and so on. The principle of nondiscrimination is complemented by the principle of equality, as stated in
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All human beings are
born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
Both Rights and Obligations
Human rights entail both rights and obligations. States assume obligations
and duties under international law to respect, to protect and to fulfil human
rights. The obligation to respect means that States must refrain from
interfering with or curtailing the enjoyment of human rights. The obligation to
protect requires States to protect individuals and groups against human
rights abuses. The obligation to fulfil means that States must take positive
action to facilitate the enjoyment of basic human rights. At the individual
level, while we are entitled our human rights, we should also respect the
human rights of others.
List of Human Rights Issues
Adequate Housing
Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right
Toolkit on the right to adequate housing
Administration of Justice
Expert Consultation on the Administration of Justice
Business and Human Rights
Business and Human Rights
Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises
Children
Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
OHCHR Thematic reports on children
Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
United Nations Study on Violence against Children
Civil and Political Rights
Human Rights Committee (HRC)
Climate change
Human Rights and climate Change
Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Coercive measures
Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures
Unilateral coercive measures and human rights
Cultural rights
Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights
Death penalty
Death penalty
Democracy
Equal participation in political and public affairs
Rule of Law - Democracy and Human Rights
Detention
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Development (Good Governance and Debt)
Development - Good governance
Human rights and the financial crisis
Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the f
social and cultural rights
Open-ended working group on the right to development
Right to development
Disability and Human Rights
Human Rights of persons with disabilities
Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Disappearances
Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED)
Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
Discrimination
A special focus on discrimination
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Portal (ESCR)
Open-ended Working Group on an Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Righ
Education
Human rights education and training
Special Rapporteur on the right to education
Environment
Human Rights and the Environment
Rio+20 - United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment
Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of haz
Executions
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Food
Special Rapporteur on the right to food
Toolkit on the Right to Food
Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Freedom of expression and advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violenc
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
OHCHR Seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in th
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Freedom of Religion and Belief
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Health
Consultation on Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental
Toolkit on the Right to Health
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS and Human Rights
Human Rights Defenders
Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
Human rights education and training
Human rights education and training
United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training
World Programme for Human Rights Education (2005-ongoing)
Human Rights Indicators
Human Rights Indicators
Independence of Judiciary
Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
Indigenous Peoples
Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Fellowship programme
Main page Indigenous
Open-ended inter-sessional Working Group on the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Working group on indigenous populations
Internal Displacement
Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
International Order
Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
International Solidarity
Independent expert on human rights and international solidarity
Mercenaries
Special Rapporteur on use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determinat
Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determinat
Migration
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (CMW)
Migration and Human Rights
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
Millenium Development Goals and Human Rights
The Millennium Development Goals and Post-2015 Development Agenda
Minorities
Fellowship programme
Main page Minorities
Special Rapporteur on minority issues
Nationality
Right to a Nationality and Statelessness
Older persons
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
Older persons
Plans of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
National Plans of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
Poverty
Human rights dimension of poverty
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
The draft guiding principles on extreme poverty and human rights: the rights of the poor
Privacy
Right to Privacy in the Digital Age
Racism
Ad-Hoc Committee on the elaboration of complementary standards
Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Durban Review Conference (2009)
Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent
Group of Independent Eminent Experts
Intergovernmental Working Group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
International Decade for People of African Descent
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism
Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent
World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, Durban (2001)
Rule of Law
Rule of Law
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Situations
Working Group on Situations
Slavery
Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of slavery
Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Terrorism
Independent expert on Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism
Torture
Committee against Torture (CAT)
Special Rapporteur on torture
Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture
United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture
Trade and Investment
Business and human rights
Trade and investment
Traditional values
Human rights and traditional values
Trafficking in Persons
Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially in women and children
Transitional Justice
Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence
Water and sanitation
Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation
Toolkit on the Right to Water and Sanitation
Women
Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
Women's Rights and Gender main page
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice
Youth
Human rights of youth
RLA Bill No. 09
Republic of the PhilippinesAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Cotabato City
EVENTH LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLYFirst Regular Session
[ MUSLIM MINDANAO AUTONOMY ACT NO. 288]
Begun and held in Cotabato City, on Monday, the fourteenth day of May 2012.
AN ACT OPERATIONALIZING SECTION SIXTEEN ARTICLE THREEOF REPUBLIC ACT 9054,
ESTABLISHING
A
CHARTER
FOR T H E H U M A N
RIGHTS
COMMISSION
I N T H E A U T O N O M O U S REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, PROVIDING GUIDELINESFOR ITS
OPERATIONS, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Be it enacted by the Regional Assembly in session assembled: S e c t i o n
1 . Ti t l e . -T h i s A c t s h a l l b e k n o w n a s t h e " A R M M H u m a n R i g h t s
Commission
Charter
o f 2 0 1 2 . ” S e c . 2 . S t a t e a n d A R M M Re g i o n a l G o v e r n m e n t Po l i c y a n d P r i n c
i p l e s o n H u m a n R i g h t s . -It
is the
declared policy
of
the State
and
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to value the dignity of every human
person and guarantee full respect for human rights. The State and the
ARMM shall give the highest priority to the enactment of measures that
protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity. For purposes of
this Act, the following international and national human and recognized by the
State shall serve as directional indicators in the interpretation and
implementation of this Act:1 . A r t i c l e I I I o f t h e C o n s t i t u t i o n ; 2.Republic
Act. No. 9054, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao”;3 . Re p u b l i c A c t N o . 9 7 4 5 , o t h e r w i s e k n o w n
a s t h e “A n t i -To r t u r e A c t o f 2 0 0 9 ” ; 4 . Re p u b l i c A c t N o . 9 8 5 1 , a l s o
k n o w n a s t h e " P h i l i p p i n e A c t O n C r i m e s A g a i n s t International
Humanitarian
Law,
Genocide,
and
Other
Crimes
Against
Humanity";5 . U n i v e r s a l D e c l a r a t i o n o f H u m a n R i g h t s ( 1 9 4 8
I.THE REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIO
N
A.
Nature
of
the
Regional
Commission
Sec. 3. TheRe gionalComm ission as an
I n d e p e n d e n t O ffi c e . –
T h e R e g i o n a l H u m a n R i g h t s C o m m i s s i o n i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t re g i
o n a l o ffi c e w i t h i n t h e A u t o n o m o u s Re g i o n t h a t s h a l l have the same
powers and mandates as the national Commission on Human Rights (CHR). It
shall not be
subject to
instructions or
orders from
the President, Congress, Judiciary, ARMM Re g i o n a l G o v e rn o r o r
Re g i o n a l
Le g i s l a t i v e A s s e m b l y ,
e xc e p t i n c a s e s
p ro v i d e d i n t h e Constitution and RA 9054with regard to the
appointment of its Chairperson and Members ,national and
autonomous region legislation aff ecting the exercise of its powers
and functions ,and judicial review of the legality of its acts,
orders, resolutions or decisions. S e c . 4 . T h e R e g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n
a s t h e Re g i o n a l H u m a n R i g h t s I n s t i t u t i o n w i t h i n t h e
A R M M . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n , d u l y c re a t e d b y RA
9054,is
the
regional
human
rights
institution
within the
Autonomous
Region
in
Muslim
M i n d a n a o i n a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e Principles Relating to
the Status of National Institutions (“The Paris Principles”) and other United
Nations' Resolutions pertaining to the effective functioning of national human
rights institutions. The Regional Commissions hall have a mutual,
coordinative, and complementary relationship with the national CHR
in the performance of its mandates and obligations. It shall
c o o r d i n a t e i t s p ro g r a m s a n d p o l i c i e s w i t h t h e n a t i o n a l C H R
a n d t h e O ffi c e o f t h e Re g i o n a l Governor of the Autonomous Region.
Sec.
5 . A u t o m a t i c re l e a s e o f f u n d s . –
The
Re g i o n a l
C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l e n j o y f u l l fi s c a l autonomy within the ARMM.
The approved annual appropriations of the Regional Commission
within the General Appropriations Act of the ARMM shall be
automatically and regularly released.
II. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS
A.
General
Powers
and
FunctionsS e c .
G e n e r a l Po w e r s a n d Fu n c t i o n s o f t h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n . T h e R e g i o n a l H u m a n RightsCommissionshall have the following general
functions:
11.
powers
and
P a g e 5 MMA 288
1.Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights
violations committed within the Autonomous Region
;2.Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure and cite for direct and indir ect
contempt those in violation thereof or of its lawful orders in accordance with the Rules of Court;
3.Provide appropriate legal and preve ntive measures for th e protection of human rights
of all persons within the Autonomous Region, as well as Autonomous Region constituents
residing abroad;
4.Provide legal aid services to the underprivileged residents of the Autonomous Region
whose human rights have been violated or need protection;
5.Exercise unhampered and unrestrained visitorial powers at any
t i m e o v e r j a i l s , p r i s o n s , detention facilities, locate d within the Autonom ous
Region, and it shall have unrestricted access to any detention facility inside military camps,
police lock-up cells, jails, prisons ,youth homes, and any detention, rehabilitation, confinement and
other similar facilities pursuant to R.A. No. 9745, otherwise known as the “Anti-Torture Act of 2009”;
6.Establish a continuing prog ram of rese arch, education and information to enhance
respectfor the primacy of human rights;
7 . R e c o m m e n d t o t h e R e g i o n a l A s s e m b l y a n d t o C o n g r e s s e ff e c t i v e m e a s u r e s
t o p r o m o t e human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights,
or their families;
8.Monitor
the
Philippine
and
ARMM
Regional
c o m p l i a n c e w i t h international treaty obligations on human rights;
Governments’
9.Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose t estimony or possession
of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation
conducted by it or under its authority;
10.Request the assistance of any department,
Autonomous Region in the performance of its functions;
bureau, offi ce
or agency
withi n
the
11.Deputize government prosecutors or pri vate lawyers within the Autonomous
Region ,who shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Regional
Commission, for the prosecution of human rights cases, including cases of torture and other
cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment under R.A. 9745;
Page 6MMA 288
12.Accredit
national
non-government and
peoples'
organizations
involved
in
human
rights promotion, protection
and advocacy, including for purposes of visiting
persons arrested
,detained or under custodial investigation;
13.Ensure that the status, rights and interests of women and children are
u p h e l d i n accordance with the Constitution, laws and international instruments on human rights;
14.Create, establish, organize, restructure, compress and otherwise manage ,such
offi ces and centers the Regional Commission deems necessary, fi t and appropriate for
the effective fulfillment of its mandate, including a sub-regional office ,provincial offices and centers
for specific thematic matters;
15.Empowered to fi le Writ of Amparo and Mandamus;
16.Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and
17.Perform such other powers, duties and functions as may be provided by law.B.
InvestigationS e c .
1 2 . I n v e s t i g a t i v e Po w e r s a n d Fu n c t i o n s . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l
e x e r c i s e primary and original jurisdiction to investigate, on complaint ormotuproprio, cases of huma
n rights violations within the Autonomous Regionto include civil, political, economic,
social andcultural rights. In the exercise of its investigative function, the Commission shall have
thefollowing powers:
1 . A c t p r o m p t l y o n c o m p l a i n t s fi l e d i n a n y f o r m o r m a n n e r b y
a n y p e r s o n , w h e t h e r directly affected or not, and on a finding of human rights violation,
recommend
the
filingof
appropriate administrative,
civil
and/or criminal
action. Any
investigation beingconducted by any other body shall not be a barto the investigation of the
Commission;
2.Compel the
attendance
of
witnesses
and
the
production
o f e v i d e n c e , t o p l a c e t h e witnesses under oath or affirmation, issue subpoenas and take
testimony in anyinvestigation or inquiry;
3.Issue orders and
directivesconstituting
preventive and
l e g a l m e a s u r e s , p r o v i d e d f o r under sections 14 and 15respectively;
4 . P r o v i d e p r o t e c t i o n a n d fi n a n c i a l a s s i s t a n c e t o w i t n e s s e s t o e n s u r e
t h e i r a t t e n d a n c e i n investigations and production of evidence
D. Education and Advocacy
Se c. 24. E du cati o n an d Adv o ca cy i n G o v e rn m en t . – T h eRegi o n a l C om m i s s i o n
s h a l l undertake a program of human rights promotion and advocacy through education and training
toenhance respect for the primacy of human rights in coordination with the different agencies of the
government. It shall likewise administer a mandatory and continuing human rights
education program for the military, police and other law enforcement agencies, as well as public school
teachers,within the Autonomous Region,and shall, for this purpose , draw up the
components of the program, accredit course and training providers, and issue certificates of
completion to thosewho have successfully completed the program.
Se c. 25. E du ca ti o n an d Ad vo c acy i n C i vi l So c i etyi n th e A u to n o m o u s Regi o n . –
T h e RegionalCommission
shall
also undertake
a
human
rights
education,
advocacy,
and informationcampaign programs among sectors of civil societywithin the Autonomous Region,
particularlythe vulnerable, marginalized and underprivileged groups. In conducting this program,
theCommission
shall
actively
cooperate
and
coordinate
with
human
rights
nongovernmentorganizations, lawyers’ groups, the academe and people’s organizations of the concerned
sectorsof civil societywithin the Autonomous Regi on
.Sec. 26.
Research.–TheRegionalCommission shall undertake a
continuing
research ands t u d y
on
select human
rights
issueswithin
the
Autonomous
R e g i o n f o r p u r p o s e s o f recommending policy reforms, as well as administrative and legislative
measures that will alsoaddress economic, social and cultural rights
S e c . 2 7 . C o v e r a g e o f Pr o g r a m s . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l p re s c r i b e t h e
s c o p e and coverage of education, advocacy, informationand training programs on human rights,
andwhich will be provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.E. Other Powers and
Functions
Sec.
28. Witness
Protection
Program.–In
the
conduct
of its
investigations,
theRegionalCommission
shallcoordi nate
with
the
Department of
Justiceand
national CHRin
the provisiono f w i t n e s s p r o t e c t i o n p r o g r a m t o v i c t i m s o f h u
m a n r i g h t s v i o l a t i o n s a n d t h e i r w i t n e s s e s ,
P a g e 1 3 MMA 288including the provision of security, shelter, relocation and livelihood assistance to
witnesses andtheir families.
S e c . 2 9 . Fi n a n c i a l A s s i s t a n c e P r o g r a m . – T h e R e g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l e n h a n c e
i t s financial assistance program to victims ofhuman rights violations and their families.The
additionalfunding
for
the
Financial
Assistance Programs
shall
be allocated
for such purposes and shall be included thereafterin the annual regular appropriations for theRegionalC
ommissionand the ARMMRegional Government, and the same shall be automatically
andregularly released.
S e c . 3 0 . L e g a l A s s i s t a n c e Pro g r a m . – T h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n s h a l l i m p l e m e n t a
l e g a l assistance program to benefit victims of human rights violations consisting of the provision
of legal services in coordination with human rights organizations and lawyers’ groups, theIntegrated
Bar of the Philippines and Philippine law schools with legal aid programs,within theAutonomous
Region.U p o n
its
discretion,
t h e Re g i o n a l C o m m i s s i o n
may
also
provide
a l l o w a n c e s a n d incentives to private lawyers or lawyers' groups who would render their
professional
services
on behalf of theRegionalCommission in any court proceeding involving the litigation of humanrights
cases
\].S e c .
31.
Protection
ofARMMOFWs and
Migrants.–
TheRegionalCommission
s h a l l undertake measures for the protection and
promotion of human rights ofARMM Overseas Filipino Workers and migrants. It may assign
organic personnel to act asHuman Rights Attachesin PhilippineEmbassies or consulates or deputize
Philippine Embassy or Consulate officers,resident private individuals of known probity and active
involvement in human rights work, or foreign-based human rights and migrant workers’ nongovernment organizations in countrieswhere the incidence of human rights violations ofARMM
OFWs
and
migrantsis
widespread
and commonplace,
including traditional host
countries ofOFWs.The assigned personnel acting as Human Rights Attache or deputized individuals of
theRegionalCommission shall monitor the status of human rights ofARMM OFWs and
migrantsliving abroad and establish networks among Filipinos for purposes of monitoring and
reportingcases of human rights violations,as well as for providing counseling and financial assistance
tovictims. They shall immediately notify the concerned Embassy officials of incidents of humanright
violations ofARMM OFWs and migrantsand provide immediate assistance to victims.
