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.
News
A MONTH TO FOREVER: Duterte’s Accountability, JUSTICE TO VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES
| Statement
Manila, Philippines — One month after the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), families of victims, human rights advocates, and faith-based groups will come together in a powerful act of remembrance and collective action. The Solidarity Action for Victims of Extrajudicial Killings (EJKs) is both a tribute to those whose lives were violently taken and a renewed call for justice, truth, and institutional accountability.
iDEFEND hails arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
| Statement
The In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity (iDEFEND) network hails the arrest of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (“Duterte”) by the International Criminal Court (“ICC”) through the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (“INTERPOL”), as a defining moment in the history of international criminal justice in the Philippines. The arrest of Duterte is an enforcement of international law which acknowledged Duterte’s crimes against humanity, particularly his policy on the war on drugs, leading to the deaths of thousands of Filipinos.
Pahayag ng iDEFEND sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan 2025
| Statement
Sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan, nakikiisa ang iDEFEND sa lahat ng kababaihang lumalaban para sa dignidad, katarungan, at pagkakapantay-pantay. Sa mga pagawaan man, tahanan, at komunidad patuloy na nararanasan ng kababaihan ang diskriminasyon, karahasan, at pag-apak sa kanilang mga karapatan—ngunit sila rin ang nangunguna sa laban para sa pantay at makatarungang lipunan.
More decisive action needed to guarantee ESCR and protect HRDs in the Philippines
| Statement
iDEFEND’s Statement on the 7th periodic review of the Philippines at the 77th Session of the UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.