CHILDREN remain one of the most vulnerable groups during outbreaks of armed conflict and devastation caused by natural calamities despite efforts by government and the private sector to speed up emergency response.
In light of this challenge, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) issued Advisory A2025-009 calling on Congress and the national and local governments to take additional steps to mitigate the risks faced by internally displaced children and hasten the delivery of services that promote their normal development.
It also called on government forces and armed groups to respect international humanitarian laws, particularly those that protect the lives and rights of non-combatants and vulnerable groups.
The Commission said the displaced children, even after being rescued from danger zones to be sheltered in designated evacuation centers, remain at risk because of inadequate facilities for their physical and emotional health.
These include facilities for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); limited access to electricity and roads; poor waste management; and non-existent employment opportunities for their parents.
It cited conditions documented during the humanitarian crisis after the impact of typhoon “Yolanda (Haiyan)” in November 2013, the Marawi siege in May 2017, and the Taal Volcano eruption.
To address these issues, the CHR said, there is a need for targeted, sustainable, and institutionalized intervention measures at both the local and national levels.
It urged the national government to enhance local capacity in disaster-prone areas by supporting child-friendly relocation sites, building resilient school infrastructure, and ensuring swift and well-resourced disaster response systems.
“Investments must also be made in trauma recovery programs and inclusive resettlement frameworks that prioritize long-term development, cultural sensitivity, and the best interests of the child,” the CHR added.
From legislators, it appealed for the fulfillment on the oversight role of Congress under the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act and to expedite the passage of laws that simplify access to essential documents, enabling children to access education and aid more efficiently.
It also asked the Department of Education to come up with educational strategies for relocation areas and to strengthen the alternative learning system, particularly for culturally diverse communities.
