CHR urges swift action vs. culprits behind slay, exploitation of girls

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday called on authorities to work quickly and decisively to make the perpetrators behind the recent cases of killing and exploitation of minor girls accountable for their crimes.

Among the cases that the CHR was pertaining to was that of the seven-year old girl who was found dead inside a sack in General Santos City, and was suspected to had been raped before being killed by her 74-year old neighbor.

The Commission also cited the case of a woman who was arrested for allegedly offering up her two daughters, aged 11 and 13 years old, as well as an eight-year-old neighbor, for online sexual exploitation.

The CHR condemned the incidents, stressing that the perpetrators did not only violate the fundamental rights of victims, but also imposed a grave disregard for the sanctity of human life.

“The CHR expresses profound denouncement of these despicable incidents. We emphasize that the protection and promotion of the rights of girls and children are essential components of fostering a just and equitable community,” it said in a statement.

While the CHR acknowledged the current efforts of authorities, it hoped for a speedy resolution of the cases and that the incidents never happen again.

“In line with this, we continue to call on authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that comprehensive measures are put in place to prevent such atrocities from happening again and to protect the well-being and rights of all children,” it added.— Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA Integrated News