CHR urges protection for women rights defenders

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Commission on Human Rights on Monday used the opening of National Women’s Month to renew calls for stronger protection of women human rights defenders, warning that gender-based harassment, threats, surveillance, and “red-tagging” continue to endanger advocates and chill civic participation.

The CHR, designated as the government’s gender and development ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, said women defenders often face reprisals that are both political and gendered, including online and offline harassment, arbitrary arrest, and attacks that seek to undermine their credibility.

To launch its monthlong activities, the CHR said it will spearhead the 11th Purple Action Day with partners Sarilayaand the Gabriela National Alliance of Filipino Women, centered on the theme “Women Human Rights Defenders as Living SHEroes.” The commission said the kickoff includes a Purple Action March on March 2, 2026, along with a panel discussion and press conference featuring women defenders.

In an environment where advocacy is frequently met with intimidation, women defenders “persist despite gender-specific risks,” the CHR said in its Women’s Month message, urging duty-bearers to ensure conditions where women can “flourish” without threats or attacks.

Concerns about threats to journalists and human rights defenders have also been raised by international observers. In a 2024 statement issued after a country visit, U.N. special rapporteur Irene Khan said intimidation of critical voices continued under the current administration, and warned that “red-tagging” can be followed by threats, unlawful surveillance, attacks, or killings.

The government has rejected accusations that official anti-insurgency efforts target legitimate activism. In separate remarks reported by The Associated Press, a National Security Council official defended the government’s counterinsurgency task force in response to criticism that “red-tagging” endangers activists and journalists.

The CHR’s Women’s Month observance comes as the agency continues to push for policy reforms aimed at protecting defenders. In a 2021 statement, the CHR called for the urgent passage of legislation establishing protections and mechanisms for human rights defenders, citing what it described as “unceasing attacks” and a broader climate of hostility toward advocates.

The commission’s March lineup includes public-service and advocacy activities such as assistance hubs, exhibits, bazaars, youth forums, a food security discussion focused on women farmers, and an observance highlighting women with disabilities, according to the CHR’s published program.

This year’s local campaign also aligns with international calls marking International Women’s Day, which U.N. platforms have promoted under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing equal rights and equal justice backed by enforceable systems.

Nationally, the Philippine Commission on Women’s continuing banner theme for 2023–2028 is “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” A Philippine Embassy advisory on Women’s Month activities in March 2026 also referenced the call to “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” as part of the year’s messaging.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR said it aims to amplify the voices of women across sectors while pressing for collective action to address entrenched inequalities and violence, including threats against women human rights defenders.