CHRP REPORTS ON CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AT THE 12TH APF MEETING

Chairperson Purificacion C. Valera Quisumbing presented a paper entitled “CHRP: Significant Developments, Challenges and Prospects on Its 20 th Year” at the 12th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions in Sydney, Australia on September 24-27, 2007. The report drew praises from the Forum Members.

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In her presentation, Chairperson Quisumbing highlighted the developments in CHRP’s response to the issue of Extrajudicial Killings (EJK) as well as Disappearances and other human rights violations in the country. She cited particularly the response of the Supreme Court of creating Special Courts nationwide to fast track the resolution of EJK cases.

(Please see attachment for full report)

 

 

CHAIRPERSON QUISUMBING RECEIVES RECOGNITION FROM THE APF

Dr. Purificacion C. Valera Quisumbing received recognition during the culmination of the 12 th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum (APF) of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) held in Sydney, Australia. The Forum expressed sincere appreciation for her committed service as the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), and for her untiring support for the work of the Forum. Recognition was also given to other high-ranking officials of national institutions who have vastly contributed to the Forum and continues to support it.

Chairperson Quisumbing led the Philippine Delegation, including the officials of CHRP to the 12 th APF Meeting that was held in Sydney, Australia on September 24-27, 2007.

The Forum consists of the NHRIs of Australia, Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste, as full members.

The Forum significantly considered the role of national institutions in protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. Forum Councillors resolved to establish a disability focal point in each institution to conduct regional liaising and coordination. The issue on right to environment was also considered, including the interim report of the Advisory Council of Jurists. Forum Councillors encouraged proposals from the jurists concerning both thematic issues for possible future references and administrative issues to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the Council.

The Advisory Council of Jurists (ACJ) is an assembly of former Commissioners of National Institutions that function as advisers, providing significant interventions to the projects and operations of the Forum. Currently, former CHRP Chairperson Sedfrey Ordoñez is the Philippine representative in the ACJ.