THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) affirms and protects the right to vote as a fundamental political right.
This was gleaned in a statement issued by CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia on Election Day Monday, May 9, 2022.
She said qualified voters can and should participate in the process of genuine democratic governance representative of the will of the people, as is stated in Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and conferred by Article V of the 1987 Constitution.
Such is also the reason for CHR’s initiative to form a non-partisan, civil society-led, nationwide campaign in 2016 -- Bantay Karapatan sa Halalan (BKH) -- to monitor and report cases of election-related human rights violations, according to her.
BHK is the convergence of electoral reform groups and human rights groups into one framework; providing access to evidence-based data for attainment of justice for victims and accountability of perpetrators of human rights violations.
During BHK’s relaunch last December 2021, the following organizations were recognized as its convenors: CHR, Amnesty International Philippines, Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines, Concerned Students for Justice and Peace (CSJP), Dakila-Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, Deprive, Just Vote RSVP, iDefend, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (Ideals), Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente), Paralegal Training Program Alumni Association Inc. (PTPAAI), Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (Pahra), Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), Security Reform Initiative (SRI) and the Democratic Insights Group Inc.
CHR and partner watchdogs have noted long-standing, recurring human rights violations attributed to the elections such as disenfranchisement of several vulnerable groups (i.e. indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens), vote-buying, electoral fraud, voter intimidation and harassment, and election-related violence.
The strong shift to digital platforms, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, has also enabled the proliferation of fake news and massive disinformation campaigns by troll armies online, the CHR said.
The commission said it is resolute in the continued promotion and literacy of ordinary citizens when it comes to their human rights.
CHR also continues to investigate election-related cases to ascertain the culpability of violators.
Grave offenses will then be directly filed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
A National Human Rights Situation Report on the Electoral Process will also be released after the elections.
"As concerned citizens, let us uphold the sanctity of our ballots. Let us collectively safeguard the freedom, integrity, and credibility of our votes," the CHR stated.
"We implore the public to stay vigilant for any irregularities or misdemeanors during the conduct of the general elections," it added.
To report cases of human rights violations during this election, email bantaykarapatansahalalan2022@gmail.com or reach out to our social media channels: Facebook - fb.com/bataykarapatansahalalan; Twitter: - @bkh2022election; or Instagram/Tiktok - @bantaykarapatansahalalan. You may also call BHK at (02) 8927 4033.