Role of the CHR and GEWHRC on WPS Atty. Krissi Shaffina Twyla A. Rubin OIC, Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights To start the forum, Atty. Krissi Shaffina Twyla A. Rubin first discussed the responsibilities of the CHR as the Gender and Development Ombud (“Gender Ombud”) mandated by the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710). “As CGEWHR, we would also like to situate this in our programs para makikita, we do this in compliance of MCW as CHR. Lalo na sa ating mga gender focal working in WPS, san natin ihugot ang ating mandate, nasa MCW. We do monitor treaty obligations but we also monitor how we comply with the MCW. And the provisions of the MCW include provisions that pertain to WPS.” These are particular provisions of the MCW that fall under WPS: ● ● ● ● Monitor with the Philippine Commission on Women compliance with RA 9710 Establish guidelines and mechanisms that will facilitate access of women to legal remedies under RA 9710 and related laws Enhance the protection and promotion of the rights of women, especially marginalized women Assist in the filing of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions that violate RA 9710 provisions Victims of violations of the Magna Carta of Women shall be considered victims of human rights violations, and shall be entitled to other forms of assistance available in the CHR. Specifically, the CHR monitors compliance with the Magna Carta on Women that falls under issues of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), with regards to the following: ● Protection from all forms of violence, including those committed by the State ○ This includes the incremental increase in the recruitment and training of women in government services that cater to women victims of gender-related offenses ● Protection and security in times of disaster, calamities, and other crisis situations, especially in all phases of relief, recovery, rehabilitation and construction efforts, including protection from sexual exploitation and other sexual and gender-based violence Page 6​ of 62