Human Rights Situation Report on the
Right to Social Security of Persons with Disabilities,
Indigenous Peoples, Farmers and Fisherfolk.
Introduction
This human rights situation report was produced by the Commission on
Human Rights of the Philippines (CHRP), an independent national human rights
institution (NHRI) mandated to monitor the human rights situation in the country as
well as government’s compliance with international treaty obligations in relation to
human rights.1
Providing social assistance has always been at the root of human activity, and
thus is the foundation for social security. Persons with disabilities, older persons,
indigents, the unemployed, and the indigenous peoples of our land, to name a few.
We also need utmost care and protection during times of sickness and disability.
Women during pregnancy need assistance and concern especially during childbirth.
If we were to ignore such basic humane actions, fundamental human rights are
violated, and society would be in turmoil.
The Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Center (ESCRC) has embarked on
several studies regarding the rights to food, health, housing, and water and
sanitation.2 From these particular rights, we now inquire on the right to social
security that encompasses the previously mentioned rights. Through social security,
the state promotes the welfare and protection of its people by ensuring access to
resources and means in order to secure food, water, shelter, and the promotion of
health and well-being.
1 See Constitution, Art. XIII, Sec. 18
2 March-April 2018, Human Rights Situation of Persons with Disabilities in Cavite, Iloilo,
and Davao del Sur. March-April 2019, Human Rights Situation of Persons with Disabilities
in Batangas City, Region VI, Region XI.
1