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

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