CHR urges stronger action, accountability in humanitarian law

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called for stronger policies, stricter enforcement, and full accountability in implementing International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid evolving conflict situations shaped by new technologies and modes of warfare.

In a statement marking IHL Month, the CHR urged government, lawmakers, and civil society partners to adapt IHL to local contexts while ensuring that it moves “beyond awareness campaigns toward tangible action.”

Such action, it said, should include the strict application of laws, prosecution of violators, and enhanced training for military and police personnel, in line with this year’s theme, “Galvanizing Commitment to International Humanitarian Law: Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region.”

The CHR recognized the Philippine government’s hosting of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on IHL from Aug. 11 to 14, 2025, describing it as the largest IHL gathering in the region this year and an opportunity for the country to reinforce its leadership in addressing emerging challenges, including cyber operations and autonomous weapons systems.

The Commission also lauded recent measures, such as the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on IHL through Executive Order No. 77 in November 2024, and the participation of more than 600 uniformed and civilian personnel in IHL capacity-building activities during the first half of 2025.

The Philippines has enacted two landmark IHL laws: Republic Act (RA) No. 9851, which defines and penalizes crimes against IHL, genocide, and other crimes against humanity; and RA No. 11188, which provides special protection for children in situations of armed conflict.

The CHR also noted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declared intent for the Philippines to seek a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028, describing it as a further demonstration of commitment to global peace and humanitarian principles.

Looking ahead, the Commission urged the government to review the situation of internally displaced persons, saying that protection is only the first step and that ensuring access to basic needs, restoring livelihoods, and safeguarding dignity are equally essential.

“Making humanity prevail in the midst of conflict is a shared responsibility,” the CHR said, calling on all parties to uphold IHL so that “justice and protection become lived realities for every civilian affected by armed conflict.”