CHR alarmed over recent spate of violence vs. women and children

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday expressed alarm over the recent incidents of violence against women and children.

“As the country's independent national human rights institution, the CHR expresses grave alarm over the string of [incidents] of violence among civilians, especially concerning vulnerable sectors. We specifically note four separate cases reported only this 9 to 13 March 2023 targeting women and children,” it said in a statement.

In Norzagaray, Bulacan, the CHR said a 67-year-old woman was found dead in an isolated area after her son allegedly beat and stuffed her inside a box as reported by the police.

Her six-year-old grandson witnessed the murder, the CHR said, citing a report from the National Bureau of Investigation.

The CHR also noted the killing of 22-year-old Kimberly Achas. In a CCTV video circulating online, a male perpetrator was seen beating and stabbing the victim to death.

Her live-in partner Elson Jamisola allegedly attempted to flee but was immediately arrested and is now facing parricide charges, according to law enforcement authorities.

The CHR also condemned  the alleged rape of a 13-year-old student by her own grandfather.

Based on news reports, the CHR said the victim revealed to her teacher the alleged sexual assault, which began since she was nine years old

In Trece Martires, Cavite, four siblings aged six to 14 were allegedly stabbed to death by their stepfather, who later committed suicide and left a message on the wall written in his own blood as reported by the police.

The CHR is now conducting its independent motu proprio investigations on these cases.

It urged government leaders to condemn the incidents as it called them to “reject the normalisation of violence against women and work towards building a nation where violence is not the norm but an exception that is swiftly and effectively dealt with.”

The CHR reminded the government to observe the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, and Anti-Rape Act among others should thoroughly implemented to protect vulnerable sectors, it said.

“The Commission underscores that the government must take proactive measures to address the root causes of violence such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, alongside ensuring justice for all victims of human rights abuse and violations and effective support to victims and survivors, as a crucial component of fulfilling its human rights obligations,” the CHR said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News