Human Rights

Human Rights and Institutional Reform — GOJUST: Technical Assistance in Human Rights and Justice in The Philippines

The programme "Justice Sector Reform: Governance in Justice II – Human Rights (GOJUST II-HR)" represented a unique intervention given the nature of the support it provided to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the protection of human rights in the Philippines. The implementing partner, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), remained highly relevant and benefited from strong commitment and ownership on the part of the beneficiaries.

GOJUST II-HR represented one of the most significant components of the European Union's support for human rights in the Philippines. The EU was the primary donor supporting the CHR, ensuring the promotion of European values. The intervention contributed to reinforcing the human rights legal framework, including support for progressive legislation on LGBTIQ rights and the strengthening of victim support and referral systems. The programme also helped improve the socioeconomic conditions and resilience of vulnerable groups.

The human rights-based approach and the gender perspective were well integrated across activities throughout the project. Although the environment and climate change were not primary objectives, the CHR developed actions related to the protection of climate defenders and activities.