THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) concluded its Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan (Lakaran) Human Rights Caravan in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Nov. 25 and 26, 2024.
The culmination event held at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, featured activities that brought together human rights advocates, local government units, civil society organizations and law enforcement agencies to strengthen partnerships and promote human rights advocacy.
The two-day program kicked off with the Lakad-Run for Human Rights, a symbolic interagency race at 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 25 at the Quirino Grandstand.
The event signified peace, unity and solidarity, with participation from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Corrections and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, affirming their commitment to justice and human rights.
The event also included the delivery of Statements of Commitment from agency representatives, an Oath of Commitment to human rights advocacy, and the ceremonial banging of the Gong of Peace.
The CHR-NCR and the Policy Linkages Office convened a community-based dialogue on local legislative agenda at The Bayleaf Hotel at 8:30 a.m. on the same day.
Simultaneously, the Human Rights Action Center Summit highlighted the implementation of the Department of Interior and Local Government-CHR joint memorandum circular on mainstreaming human rights in local governance.
At 3 p.m., CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc met the media discussing pressing human rights issues and the role of media in safeguarding democracy.
On Nov. 26, the program continued with the signing of a memorandum of agreement with higher education institutions, including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University, to embed human rights education in academic curricula.
In parallel, CHR held a paralegal training and dialogue with civil society organizations, equipping participants with essential legal knowledge and skills to effectively advocate for human rights within communities.
The event culminated in the unveiling of the Lakaran Accomplishments Board and messages of solidarity from international partners, including the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and the European Union.
