COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Response to the call for contributions of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural
rights: Fundamentalism and extremism on women’s enjoyment of cultural rights and
challenges related to the rights of women to access, take part in and contribute to
cultural life, and to contribute to and enjoy the arts and science
11 May 2017
1. The Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines (herewith the Commission), through
its Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights Center (GEWHRC), respectfully submits
its inputs to the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. These inputs are based
on the proceedings of a consultation on the CEDAW update of General Recommendation
19: Accelerating Elimination of Gender-Based Violence Against Women, entitled
"Problematizing Access to Justice," Multi-Sectoral Consultation Workshop on the
Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Bill, and the Commission’s Reproductive Health
Inquiry Report.1
2. On Rural Women as discussed by Ms. Rebecca Miranda of Pambansang Koalisyon ng
Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK):
a. Patriarchy is still embedded in the culture where a wife must be submissive to her
husband due to the notion that a husband owns his wife’s body. Non-submission to the
husband could entail violence against women or gender-based violence such as marital
rape, and incest just to name a few. Moreover, indigenous communities’ practice of
arranged marriages is still prevalent. Thus, young girls are prevented from exercising their
right to decide whom to marry since, it is part of their customary law or embedded in their
culture. Violence as a continuing cycle also leads to separation and eventually, women
are disadvantaged due to lack of employment and livelihood opportunities. This situation
makes women vulnerable to stay in an abusive relationship so they economically survive
together with their children.
3. On Women in Armed Conflict as discussed by Atty. Raissa Jajurie of Nisa Ul Haqq Fi
Bangsamoro:
a. In times of armed conflict, the vulnerabilities of Bangsamoro women are more
pronounced due to their religion, class, and other discrimination based on identities. For
example, Moro women wearing hijab are more subjected to discrimination; they
experience discrimination not only because they are women but also because of their
religion. During displacement, reported cases of rape, sexual harassment, and prostitution
1
“Let our voice be heard,” Report of the Commission on Human Rights Philippines’ National Inquiry on
Reproductive Health and Rights, 2016. Refer to the annex for the full report.