| In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement

Submission to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 77th Session, 2025 Philippines

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), a coalition of over 66 grassroots organizations and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (the Committee) as it reviews the Philippines’ Seventh Periodic Report under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

This submission draws upon the inputs from grassroots organizations advocating for the realization of economic, social, and cultural rights, with a particular focus on marginalized populations. It critically analyzes the Philippine government’s performance in fulfilling its ICESCR obligations, including adherence to core principles such as ensuring Minimum Essential Levels of rights, preventing retrogressive measures, and addressing discrimination. The State’s obligation to prioritize those at greatest risk remains paramount, even in the context of resource constraints.

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IGIIT ANG GOBYERNONG MAY PANANAGUTAN, LABANAN ANG KRISIS SA KABUHAYAN AT KARAPATAN

Human rights, justice, and accountability cannot wait! The Senate's sabotage of the Impeachment process must be condemned!

iDEFEND vehemently oppose Duterte's "Urgent Request for Interim Release"

Statement on the HRD Protection Bill

Friday, 3 March 2023 | Statement

iDEFEND welcomes the approval of the House Committee on Human Rights of the consolidated version of the proposed Human Rights Defenders Protection Act (HRDPA) which would mandate the government to protect HRDs.

This is an important milestone in efforts to secure protection for rights defenders (HRDs) from threats and harassment as a result of their related activities. It is likewise an important pushback against shrinking civic spaces as a result of the government’s continuing war against dissent.

TANGAN NATIN ANG EDSA HANGGANG NGAYON

Friday, 24 February 2023 | Statement

Pahayag ng iDefend sa ika-37 anibersaryo ng 1986 EDSA People Power Uprising

Hindi lang minsan nagisnan ng ating kasaysayan ang pagkabuklod buklod ng mamamayan upang ipaglaban ang kalayaan at katarungan. Aral natin ang himagsik ng bayan laban sa dayuhang mananakop, ang pagtindig laban sa tiranya, ang pagtatanggol alang alang sa kapakanan ng bawat isa.

Ipagpatuloy ang laban tungo sa matiwasay, pantay, ligtas at malayang buhay

Saturday, 10 December 2022 | Statement

Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa ika-74 anibersaryo ng Universal Declaration of Human Rights

BIGYANG SOLUSYON KRISIS SA EKONOMIYA, IGIIT ANG PANANAGUTAN NG GOBYERNONG MARCOS JR. SA MAMAMAYAN!

Friday, 9 December 2022 | Statement

Tumaas ng 30 milyong Pilipino ang nabubuhay sa kahirapan, ayon sa Listahan 3 ng DSWD. Malaking dahilan anya sa pagdami ng mahihirap ay ang hindi pagkakabalik sa trabaho ng maraming manggagawa pagkatapos ng COVID19 lockdown. Tumaas din sa 12.6 mula sa 12.2 milyon ang mga pamilyang nagsabing naghihirap sila, ayon sa tala ng Social Weather Station.