CHR urges child-centered emergency response, preparedness amid National Children's Month

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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday urged government and stakeholders to ensure that disaster preparedness and response measures are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of children.

With the theme “Manindigan! Tumugon at Kumalinga: Sa Batang Handa, Mas Ligtas ang Bansa,” CHR said preparedness and response must uphold children’s rights before, during, and after emergencies.

The commission cited the country’s exposure to typhoons, floods, earthquakes, armed conflict, and other crises can disrupt children’s access to essential services and increase their risk of abuse, neglect, and family separation.

“Child-protection measures must be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all children, particularly children with disabilities and those in disadvantaged situations,” CHR said in a statement.

“Equally important, children must be recognized as rights-holders whose experiences, perspectives, and recommendations should inform preparedness plans, the continuity of essential services, and recovery efforts,” it added.

Protection vs exploitation

CHR further called for stronger protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation, including accessible and child-sensitive mechanisms for reporting, rescue, rehabilitation, and access to justice.

Following the school shootings across the country, the commission urged stronger school safety and preventive measures, psychosocial and mental health support, and protection of children’s privacy.

In March, CHR welcomed the Philippines’ removal from the United Nations’ list of situations involving grave violations against children in armed conflict after 22 years.

Based on its monitoring and interviews with 14 government agencies in Regions II and XII, CHR reported that there has been a decline in the number of working children and child laborers.

However, the commission said there should be sustained action to address the issue’s root causes.

2026 National Children’s Month

CHR will begin its month-long observance of National Children’s Month on November 3.

In partnership with the NORFIL Foundation, CHR will consult children and youth with disabilities and their parents on barriers to inclusive and accessible education on Nov. 14.

CHR will also hold a "Children’s Dialogue with Legislators" with the Child Rights Network and the House Committee on the Welfare of Children on November 24 to let children share their experiences and recommendations directly with policymakers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice will hold the Children’s Summit and the 20th Juvenile Justice Week celebration from 23 to 27 November 2026.

CHR Regional Offices will also conduct Kabataan Karapatan Caravans in selected schools and child- and youth-serving facilities to raise awareness of children’s rights and available protection mechanisms.

“We want you to know how to protect yourselves, how to recognize harm, abuse, and situations that may put you at risk–and, most importantly, where and how to seek help when your rights or the rights of your peers are violated. A child who is informed, empowered–a batang handa—plays a vital role in building a safer and more caring nation–a mas ligtas na bansa,” CHR Commissioner Beda Epres said. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News