experiences of displaced women, children, and LGBTI persons. The CHRP Team also covered the
following monitoring themes: (1) Core Protection Services to include: camp management,
registration, information dissemination, advocacy, peaceful existence, and protection monitoring;
(2) Human Rights Assessment: food, water and sanitation, health, education, work, women and
children, property, clothing; and last (3) Protection from Displacement.
16. During the five day mission the team conducted interviews, focus group discussions, art
sessions with children in the following evacuation centers: ILIGAN CITY: Buruun School of
Fisheries (Brgy. Buruun), Buruun Gymnasium EC (Brgy. Buruun), Maria Cristina Gymnasium
(Brgy. Maria Cristina), Bayanihan Gymnasium (Brgy. Sta Elena); LANAO DEL NORTE, Landa
Madrasah EC (Brgy. Landa, Municipality of Balo-i), Madrasah Campong EC (Brgy.
Campong, Municipality of Pantar); LANAO DEL SUR: Covered Court (Brgy. Poblacion, Municipality
of Saguiaran). In the conduct of the monitoring, the team was divided into four: IDP, Government
and CSOs, Women, and Children.18
17. The CHRP was a member of the Advisory Group that guided UN OCHA in refining the research
methodology and providing feedback in improving the draft of the study on the impact of protracted
internal displacement. This study, entitled “Breaking the Impasse” was eventually launched at the
UN Headquarters in New York in June 2017. The study emphasized on the need for a new
approach to end or reduce vulnerability of internally displaced persons and move towards durable
solutions. Case studies were highlighted including the Philippines.
III. Good Practices in Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Children in Humanitarian Situations:
18. Amidst the many challenges in child protection in humanitarian situations, the CHRP has
observed many good practices that have emerged from the response provided by the CHRP, other
government agencies, non-government organizations, and the affected populations themselves.
While the success of these actions are, of course, context-specific, it is still worthwhile to note these
good practices as guidance for future action.
III. 1. Mechanisms for the Protection of Children:
19. One good practice on child protection and gender-based protection was observed in the
evacuation centers in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, where a number of IDPs agreed to form a security
group among themselves. This security group stayed up all night and patrolled round the clock to
protect the other IDPs, especially the women and children. 19 Government mechanisms also helped
in ensuring that children are protected in crisis and conflict situations. In Region 1, the Philippine
National Police (PNP) Women and Child Protection Desk, the PNP Human Rights Action Office,
and the CHRP Regional Office signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the purpose of
strengthening the protection for women and children, including during humanitarian situations.20
The Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) in Region I promotes children’s
participation rights by including children representatives in the committee. CHRP Regional Office
V also noted strengthened partnerships with the PNP, government line agencies, local government
units, and civil society organizations in coming up with mechanisms on child protection. 21
18
Report of the Children Cluster during the Joint Monitoring Mission dated 1-5 July 2017
Reported by CHRP Region X.
20
Reported by CHRP Region I.
21
Reported by CHRP Region V.
19