CHR Strengthens Partnership for Human Rights Youth
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has renewed its partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Philippines to launch fresh initiatives promoting human rights, justice, and dignity among the youth. This renewed collaboration aims to empower young leaders and deepen their understanding of human rights principles.
The key partnership agreement was signed on June 9, according to sources. FNF, a German-based organization active in over 60 countries, advocates for democracy, human rights, economic freedom, and climate change mitigation. It also prioritizes fostering open digital societies and social market economies.
Empowering Student Leaders Through Human Rights Education
The CHR’s Caraga Regional Office will spearhead the third Tertiary Student Leaders Confab. This gathering will unite higher education institutions to enhance student leaders’ grasp of human rights issues. Alongside this, the agreement supports establishing Centers for Human Rights Education within these institutions. These centers will serve as lasting platforms to educate students on their rights.
Furthermore, a Civil Society Conference will bring together various organizations. The goal is to identify current human rights and gender challenges in the region and build stronger collaborative networks among advocates.
Expanding Youth Engagement and Leadership Training
In addition, the CHR Region IV-A Office will use the partnership to deliver comprehensive human rights education programs targeting youth leaders. This includes mentorship focused on human rights, gender equality, and children’s rights. Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials will be invited to partake in mentoring sessions and complete modules emphasizing a human rights-based approach to leadership.
For over 30 years, the CHR has served as the nation’s key institution for protecting and promoting human rights. Local leaders noted, “We have witnessed the evolution of our democracy, faced challenges, and celebrated triumphs that affirm the importance of this work.”
“Through it all, we have learned that human rights education and capacity building at the grassroots level are fundamental to creating lasting change in our society,” stated CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc.
Building on Past Achievements
Sources said that during 2023 and 2024, the CHR and FNF collaborated on initiatives centered on press freedom and digital privacy capacity building. These efforts laid the groundwork for the current partnership’s expanded focus on youth and community engagement.
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