94 Protocols ANNEX 3: Protocols T he role of the Commission on Human Rights as a national human rights institution and as gender and development ombud in the country shall cover both protection and promotion aspects of the human rights of women in general, women with disabilities, elderly women, women-migrants, girl-children, and persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expressions (SOGIE). The Commission adopts the following Protocols to be observed by its officers in both the Central and Regional Offices in investigating and rendering legal assistance for women complainants under MCW and/or related laws. The Protocols provides for benchmarks or minimum standards to guide its investigators and lawyers in relation to the Commission’s role as Gender Ombud under the MCW. The Protocols are derived from standards and benchmarks adopted by the PNP and DOJ, as well as international women’s human rights standards in the investigation and provision of legal and support services for women. ANNEX 3.A. HANDLING OF WOMEN’S CASES (PROTOCOL 1) General Principles Human rights protection and promotion of women’s human rights are among the core functions of the Commission. In terms of protection, the Commission shall provide the appropriate services to women who are victims or whose rights are in imminent danger of violence, abuse, or discrimination. The Commission shall likewise render assistance to women, especially marginalized women, whose rights under the Magna Carta of Women have been violated. Such services cover primarily the areas of investigation, legal aid and counselling, witness protection and other assistance, and referral and/or coordination for psycho-social, medical needs and other social services for the victim-survivors and their families. In the conduct of investigation and in the provision of legal aid, psychosocial and other services for women, the Commission’s investigators, lawyers, gender focal persons shall observe the following general guidelines and standards148, observing at all time the principles of safety, confidentiality, respect and non-discrimination: Policies As the Gender Ombud, the Commission shall ensure that policies, including the Gender Ombud Guidelines and Investigation Protocols are adopted throughout the Central and Regional Offices of the Commission, to ensure the sensitive handling of women’s cases. Policy support is important in institutionalizing the Commission’s efforts as Gender Ombud, as such the Gender Ombud Guidelines, including these protocols are crucial in addressing discrimination and other forms of human rights violations against women as well as in pushing for gender equality and women’s human rights. The Commission, through the concerned units and officers, shall constantly review existing policies to ensure gender sensitivity and gender responsiveness in the handling of women’s cases. 148 Part of the standards adopted from the DOJ Performance Standards and Assessment for Services in relation to VAW CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines