CHR to conduct 2-day human rights awareness drive in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will hold a human rights awareness campaign in the Caraga Region on June 19 and 20.

In a statement on Thursday, CHR-13 (Caraga) said that the Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan or "LaKarAn" caravan will roll off in the region as part of the agency’s efforts to reach more areas in the country under its human rights campaign.

CHR Commissioner Beda Epres will lead the two-day activity in the region, which will be joined by European Union (EU) and Spanish Ambassadors Luc Veron and Miguel Utray.

"LaKarAn reaffirms the commitment of duty-bearers, especially those in local governance and security, to uphold human rights,” Epres said in the same CHR-13 statement.

He noted that the program aims to educate and raise awareness and emphasizes the crucial roles of communities, civil society, and various sectors in promoting and protecting human rights.

In time with the campaign, the agency will also inaugurate its CHR Caraga Building Phase II: Gender and Development Training Hall. It is also set to present Ambassador Veron with a plaque acknowledging his invaluable support and contribution to promoting and protecting human rights in the Philippines.

The caravan will include lectures on human rights principles and orientations for local government units about human rights action centers (HRAC) to encourage leaders to plan for establishing HRACs in their communities.

An orientation for the security sector on applying a human rights-based approach in their policies and workflows is also scheduled.

In addition, the CHR will conduct a workshop on the basics of paralegal work for its partner regional civil society organizations. Participants in the event will also have the chance to raise their concerns on pressing human rights issues in their communities. (PNA)