The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Wednesday it is willing to extend its expertise should the proposed bill on the inclusion of human rights principles in the educational curriculum will be further developed.

In a statement, lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR executive director, said she welcomes Senator Loren Legarda’s proposal to incorporate “Article III of the 1987 Constitution or the Bill of Rights” into the educational curriculum.

“Human rights education is essential in building and nurturing a human rights culture that values equality and upholds the inherent dignity of all,” de Guia said.

“It helps cultivate an enabling and empowering society where people are aware of their rights and are respectful of the rights of others,” she added.

De Guia noted that through human rights education, government accountability and public service excellence will be further strengthened.

“The Senator’s proposed piece of legislation seeks to inculcate human rights principles among the younger generation. CHR is grateful that the Senator shares our vision of including the fundamental rights in basic education to ensure that young Filipinos imbibe human rights values during their crucial formative years so they may carry it with them for a lifetime,” she said.

De Guia said human rights education plays a crucial part in “empowering young people” to acknowledge their rights.

“It also contributes to harmony in society as human rights values foster mutual understanding, equality, and tolerance among people from all walks of life, culture, and background,” she added.

De Guia said the CHR continues to ensure that human rights education will be made accessible to the people through its Human Rights Institute (HRI).

“We also provide training for government personnel for them to better understand their role as primary duty-bearers in fulfilling human rights obligations to faithfully comply with human rights standards and principles,” she said.

To cater to a wide range of audiences, de Guia said the CHR’s Strategic Communication Division also produces and disseminates information, education, and campaign materials in all of its online channels to make human rights principles relatable and relevant to the daily lives of Filipinos.

“In line with its human rights policy and promotions mandate, the Commission offers its experience and expertise in human rights education to contribute to the development of the bill,” de Guia said.

“We believe that collaborative efforts across branches of government will enable us to develop a law that will ensure a robust human rights education that empowers the people while ensuring the responsible exercise of rights toward a vibrant, enabling, and harmonious society,” she added. (PNA)