CHR calls for united action to end OSAEC

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has renewed its call to eliminate online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) in observance of National Children’s Month this November.

The Commission marked the start of the celebration with a kick-off event at the CHR Central Office led by the Child Rights Center (CRC) and Focal Commissioner on Child Rights, Atty. Beda A. Epres.

With this year’s theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, the CHR aims to draw national attention to the growing threat of digital abuse against children.

“OSAEC” refers to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children, while “CSAEM” stands for Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials.

Quoting the late human rights defender Jose W. Diokno, the CHR recalled, “There is one dream that all Filipinos share: that our children may have a better life than we have had.”

Key guests at the opening included Atty. Barbara Mae Flores, Executive Director of the National Coordinating Council on OSAEC-CSAEM, who delivered the keynote speech.

Actor and child rights advocate Elijah Canlas also joined the event and led CHR employees in the recitation of the Panatang Makabata.

In his welcome address, Commissioner Epres emphasized the urgent need for unified protection of children in both physical and digital environments.

“No child shall be left behind; no child shall be exploited, discriminated against, or abused,” Epres said.

“Every child must grow up safe, valued, and free to thrive with dignity.”

Throughout the month, the CHR, through its CRC and Regional Offices, is spearheading a series of awareness campaigns and protection-focused initiatives nationwide.

These include the presentation of evidence-based studies and policy recommendations at the Department of Justice’s Summit on Advancing Real Justice for Every Child.

The CHR is also taking part in the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Council Summit, the 2025 NCM Kick-Off Celebration, and activities for Juvenile Justice Week 2025.

The ongoing Kabataan Karapatan Caravan will continue in select schools such as Commonwealth High School, Colegio San Juan de Letran, and Ugong Pasig National High School.

The caravan features discussions on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and addresses OSAEC and related threats to child safety.

The CHR will likewise conduct monitoring missions in SOCCSKSARGEN and Surigao del Norte to assess the situation of displaced children, child labor cases, and incidences of child marriage.

The Commission will use findings from these missions to identify critical gaps in existing child protection mechanisms.

The CRC is also expected to participate in legislative fora organized by the Child Rights Network at the House of Representatives.

These efforts are intended to help push for stronger child protection laws and policy reforms aligned with international human rights standards.

The CHR stressed that safeguarding children against online sexual abuse should not be limited to a one-month campaign but must be a year-round, multi-sectoral effort.

“Ending OSAEC requires the shared responsibility of the government, communities, families, and individuals to ensure that every child grows up free from abuse and fear,” the Commission said.

The Philippines, as one of the first countries to ratify the UNCRC, is both morally and legally obligated to uphold and defend children’s rights in all spaces—online and offline.

Through continuous advocacy, grassroots programs, and institutional partnerships, the CHR reaffirmed its commitment to make the Philippines a safe and rights-respecting nation for children.