DOJ now has its own human rights, gender development offices
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, Dec. 4, opened its own Human Rights Office (HRO) and Gender Development and Special Protection Office (GSPO) to ehance the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.
“This is monumental as it is novel, for, in the DOJ’s 126 years of existence, there are now dedicated offices meant to carry out this vision of a more human and human rights-centric justice system that shall deliver ‘real justice in real time,’” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said in a speech delivered for him by DOJ Undersecretary Brigido J. Dulay.
The inauguration of the HRO and GSPO offices were held at the DOJ's main office on Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila.
In his speech, Remulla noted that based on consultations with relevant government offices, he issued last July 14 Department Circular No. 032 that created the HRO and Department Order No. 402 that established the GSPO.
Following the issuances, Remulla said the lawyers and staff of the offices have “tirelessly worked to ensure that the HRO and GSPO, even in their infancy, would create an impact in the protection and observation of human rights in the Philippines.”
“As we approach the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in a few days, I cannot help but feel overwhelming hope and joy as we start the full operation of the HRO and the GSPO,” he said.
“Indeed, our event today shows the world that we are a country that promotes and protect human rights,” he added.
Remulla also said that under Republic Act (RA) No. 9201, which was enacted 20 years ago, government agencies, including the DOJ, are mandated “to raise the people’s awareness of their basic human rights from December 4 to 10 of each year."
“With the DOJ’s launch of its very own HRO and GSPO, I can confidently say that this mandate will be fulfilled by the DOJ not only for a week, but for the whole year round,” he said.
“It serves a clear call for human rights promotion and protection for the years to come,” he declared.