By: Valerie Ann Dismaya

In our school subjects, particularly Social Studies and Values Education, our teachers emphasize the importance of our rights.

That’s why they constantly remind us that even though we have rights in various aspects of life, we must know how to balance and not abuse them.

Today, December 10, did you know that we celebrate Human Rights Day?

Human Rights Day began on December 10, 1948, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

According to Article 30 of the UDHR, it stipulates human rights that every person must accept and respect, such as the right to life, freedom, education, and equal opportunities in all aspects of life.

This initiative by the United Nations aimed to promote human rights worldwide.

However, despite these efforts, human rights violations remain rampant.

Some examples include the declaration of Martial Law in the 1970s, the Ampatuan Massacre in 2009, the Duterte administration’s War on Drugs, POGO operations, and many others.

Thousands of people have died, been imprisoned, or disappeared without a trace.

Thus, the celebration of Human Rights Day serves as a voice and a beacon of hope for victims of abuse.

According to data from Human Rights Watch, thousands of human rights violations are recorded yearly in the Philippines, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, labor rights violations, discrimination against minorities, and violence against women and children.

The government has taken measures to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable, such as through the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The CHR is the primary agency in the Philippines tasked with protecting human rights.

They conduct investigations into human rights violations and provide education on human rights in communities.

The 1987 Constitution, which includes the Bill of Rights, the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, and laws against human trafficking are also in place to safeguard human rights.

Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to respect each other’s rights.

This is not just about following laws; it’s about demonstrating humanity and kindness.