Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat

ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH AS A HUMAN RIGHT

At the 61st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Philippines co-sponsored the resolution on Mental health and human rights, a clear affirmation that mental well-being is integral to human dignity, equality, and full participation in society.

The PHRCS contributed to the Philippine government’s input to this important resolution, helping ensure that the protection and promotion of mental health are grounded in a human rights lens, one that recognizes accessibility, inclusion, non-discrimination, and the right of every person to live with dignity.

PHRCS remains steadfast in supporting national and international efforts that place people at the center of governance, and that uphold the right to mental health as part of our shared commitment to a more just, compassionate, and rights-respecting society.



Read the full text of the resolution:
https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/RES/61/18

🥗 ADVANCING THE RIGHT TO FOOD: THE PHILIPPINES AT THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

Food is not merely a commodity: it is a fundamental human right essential to dignity, survival, and well-being.

During the 61st regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the resolution on “The right to food” was adopted, with the Philippines among its co-sponsors—reaffirming its commitment to global efforts in addressing hunger, food insecurity, and the structural barriers that prevent equitable access to adequate and nutritious food.

The PHRCS, as the country’s National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up (NMIRF), provided inputs to the Philippine position delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This milestone underscores a simple but powerful truth: food security is human security, and human rights work must translate into action at every table where decisions are made.



Read the full text of the resolution:
https://docs.un.org/A/HRC/RES/61/13

ICYMI
🇵🇭👧🏽🕊️ EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN PEACE, SAFETY, DIGNITY, AND HOPE.

The Philippines officially delisted from the United Nations Secretary-General’s list of "situations of concern" regarding Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) in 2025. The formal delisting from the United Nations grave child rights violations watchlist reflects years of reforms, accountability measures, and strengthened protection mechanisms anchored on international humanitarian law and human rights principles. This milestone underscores the importance of safeguarding children from recruitment into armed conflict, violence, abduction, attacks on schools, and denial of humanitarian access.

Through stronger domestic legislation, inter-agency coordination, protection-centered military protocols, preservation of schools as zones of peace, and demobilization efforts, the country continues to affirm that children are rights-holders who must be protected at all times, especially in situations of armed conflict.

This development also highlights the continuing responsibility of government institutions, civil society, communities, families, and the youth to sustain a culture where the best interests of the child remain paramount.

Human rights begin with protecting the most vulnerable. When children are protected, peace becomes more enduring and justice becomes more meaningful.