Human rights dimension pushed in post-disaster response

TACLOBAN CITY, March 7 (PNA) – Citing the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities and extent of suffering from destructive impacts, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is pushing for post-disaster response with human rights perspective.

CHR Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon observed that their office is not a member of the national and local disaster risk reduction and management councils that would help responders deal with human rights issues arising from extreme weather events.

“There is a need for the duty bearers in the government to view the actual needs of the people in planning and preparation and for people to be empowered, participate and exercise their human rights,” Gascon said.

Study and reports presented by United Nations University’s Institute for Environment and Human Security and the German Alliance Development Works show that Philippines has a risk of 24.32 percent to climate change impacts, next to Vanuatu (32 percent) and Tonga (29.08 percent), both in the Pacific.

The location of the country in the Pacific Ocean has increased the country’s risk to rising seas and more destructive winds.

“That is why there is now a need to push for rights in crisis campaign,” said Gascon.

“Because of that it is important for decision makers to listen to those who will be negatively impacted by disaster. It is our rights as citizens to demand protection from the state,” Gascon added.

In providing protection to the citizenry, government should use a more pro-active approach to ensure that those who are at high risk such as women, children, and persons with disabilities will be given opportunity for survival.

Gascon was in this city on Friday as keynote speaker of the Human Rights in Disaster forum with non-government organizations and civil society organizations. (PNA)

FFC/SQM/ROEL T. AMAZONA/EGR