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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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2025 ESCR Report Philippines cover

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Wage Hike Protest

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

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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.

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Marcos HINDI Bayani!

Marcos HINDI Bayani!

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Sa ika-6 na taong pagkakalibing ni Ferdinand Marcos Sr. sa Libingan ng mga Bayani ating iginigiit muli ang pagkundena sa pagbaluktot ng ating kasaysayan at ang paglaganap ng kasinungalingang bayani ang yumaong diktador. Nananatiling kriminal si Marcos dahil ng karumal dumal na mga paglabag sa karapatang pantao noong panahon ng kanyang batas militar na magpahanggang ngayon ay walang napaparusahan.

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Philippine government urged to accept and implement important recommendations of the human rights UPR 41

Philippine government urged to accept and implement important recommendations of the human rights UPR 41

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In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) deeply appreciates the support of States to the recommendations of iDEFEND and other CSOs in this year’s universal periodic review of the Philippines. These recommendations were raised before the government in today’s Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council.

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Human rights groups raise crucial issues ahead of Monday’s Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines

Human rights groups raise crucial issues ahead of Monday’s Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines

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Geneva, Switzerland- Human rights groups including In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND), Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), Lilak Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights and Children’s Legal Rights and Development Center (CLRDC) hoped that the fourth cycle of the Universal Period review of the Philippines brings more positive response from the government than the previous cycle.

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