CHR issues advisory on the rights of internally displaced children

PURSUANT to its Constitutional mandate, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issues an advisory on upholding the rights of internally displaced children. This issuance aims to raise awareness among the public about the rights of children affected and displaced by natural hazards and internal armed conflicts.

In recent years, the Philippines has witnessed a significant rise in the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), driven by crises such as Typhoon Haiyan, the Marawi Siege, and the Taal Volcano eruption. These events have disrupted communities and severely impacted the lives and development of children. Given the complex and vulnerable conditions of internally displaced children, the CHR emphasizes the urgent need for targeted, sustainable, and institutionalized interventions at both the local and national levels.

Through its Child Rights Center, the Commission conducted monitoring visits in the provinces of Batangas, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. These visits identified key challenges affecting displaced communities, including issues related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); limited access to electricity and roads; poor waste management; limited livelihood opportunities for parents; risk of snake bites; and irregular septic tank cleaning.

Based on its findings and in line with domestic and international human rights standards, the CHR urges the national government to enhance local capacity in disaster-prone areas by supporting child-friendly relocation sites, building resilient school infrastructure, and ensuring swift and well-resourced disaster response systems. Investments must also be made in trauma recovery programs and inclusive resettlement frameworks that prioritize long-term development, cultural sensitivity, and the best interests of the child. The CHR calls on the legislative branch to fulfill its oversight role under the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act and to expedite the passage of laws that simplify access to essential documents, enabling children to access education and aid more efficiently.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is encouraged to adapt educational strategies for relocation areas and to strengthen the Alternative Learning System, particularly for culturally diverse communities. DepEd should also integrate life skills education into the curriculum to better prepare children for future crises. Meanwhile, government forces and armed groups must fully comply with International Humanitarian Law and relevant domestic laws that protect children. The CHR calls on the Marawi Compensation Board to meet its mandate within the five years outlined in its 2023 IRR by streamlining compensation processes and addressing housing concerns. Lastly, local governments must provide livelihood support for parents, ensure free access to vital documents, and engage children meaningfully in planning processes to ensure that recovery efforts address their actual needs and lived experiences.

As duty bearers, the Commission reiterates that the State has a fundamental obligation to take decisive and sustained action to uphold, protect, and promote the rights of all, especially those of children in vulnerable and marginalized situations. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of internally displaced children must remain a top priority in both policy and practice.

Access the full Human Rights Advisory on Upholding the Rights of Internally Displaced Children here: bit.ly/HRAdisplacedchildren