CHR joins call to end misogyny, impunity in support of protests vs. violence against women

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday called for the end of all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) as well as misogyny and impunity.

In a statement, CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez Dumpit backed the online rally against gender-based violence and the launch of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women.

“The CHR calls for the need to eliminate all forms of GBV during a period of acute crisis and want, the need to demand for accountability from duty bearers, not only in ensuring effective, prompt, and survivor centered response, but a commitment to desist from and prevent all forms of GBV,” she said.

Dumpit pointed out the importance of mainstreaming GBV response in crisis and disaster response amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of recent typhoons.

Aside from these, Dumpit said psychological and emotional violence, as well as institutional and structural violence, should also be addressed, as they result in poverty, hunger, injustice, exclusion, and denial of access to resources.

“We also need to address the roots of violence — the persistence of gender inequality and gender stereotypes; and we need to work with men and with different institutions towards gender equality and the elimination of VAW,” she added.

Dumpit made the statement after the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Wednesday, November 25.

“It is in remembrance of the butterflies—the Mirabal sisters who died in the hands of a dictator in the Dominican Republic. November 25 marks the start of 16 Days of Activism to End GBV ending in December 10, Human Rights Day,” she said.

“In the Philippines, we have extended the campaign until December—an 18-day campaign ending on December 12, the International Day Against Trafficking,” she added.

CHR made the calls with partner groups such as the World March of Women, CATW-AP, Lilak Purple Action for Women, Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau, and Women’s Health.

Aside from them, the CHR is also in solidarity with the Center for Migrant’s Advocacy, Pambansang Koalisyon ng mga Kababaihan sa Kanayunan, Sarilaya, Lilak Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights, Ganda Filipinas, Outright International, Power in Her Story, Partido ng Manggagawa, and Sentro. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News