Manila, Philippines: Fighting for human rights curriculum

A classroom of children learning about human rights, each with their hand raised

Manila, Philippines: Fighting for human rights curriculum

Senator Leila de Lima is still fighting for human rights education to be strengthened in curriculum for students in elementary, high school, and college levels of education.

“If passed, it will require the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to come up with their respective curricula and a course program for human rights studies.

“The curriculum is expected to focus on ‘personal values, attitudes and behaviors that promote personal responsibility for respecting, upholding and protecting human rights, among others.’

“De Lima, who was Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairperson from 2008 to 2010, said the bill becomes more relevant now given the situation brought about by President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

“’In a time when human rights are violated on a daily basis, it is but the State’s responsibility to protect every citizen against human rights abuse both by state and non-state actors,’ she said.”

By Jodesz Gavilan

Find article here: http://www.rappler.com/nation/175312-senate-bill-specialized-subject-human-rights