Philippines
Child Soldiers
The Philippines number among 20 countries in which children are often deployed as soldiers in armed conflicts. Certain armed groups have recently stated that they will no longer use children in this capacity; however, the total absence of child soldiers is far from being verified.
Totally prohibited by the International Convention of Children’s Rights, the use of child soldiers is an abhorrent practice whose effects on the health and well-being of children are wholly negative. Such children are caught up in a violent and cruel environment where they are in constant danger of being killed. Their role models are brutal and aggressive men whose influence on their development will clearly be far from positive.
Child Marriage
14% of young women in the Philippines get married before the age of 18. One prepares them very early in life for their future role as a wife. However, these marriages often have grave consequences for the health of these young girls who do not understand what such a marriage entails.
Violence against Children
Corporal punishment is frequently practiced in the Philippines, notably within the family. It is not the object of any explicit legislation. Thus, many children suffer daily from violence at the hands of their parents who treat them in a cruel and humiliating manner.
Children are equally the victims of sexual abuse in certain families. These are serious crimes and all too often they are not condemned, nor does the justice system adequately protect children from threats and intimidation on the part of criminals.
Justice for Minors
The Committee of Children’s Rights has expressed profound concern about justice for minors. With regard to armed conflict, there have been numerous executions and extrajudicial imprisonments involving children. The killing of children is a serious violation of the Convention of Children’s Rights; yet the crimes themselves remain unpunished. The Philippines thus needs to make a more concerted effort to put a stop to these practices and to actively see to it that the authors of these atrocities are held responsible for their acts. As it stands, the pursuit of justice in relation to such crimes is insufficient and the results are profoundly deceiving.
In addition, there are hundreds of people who are the victims of forced disappearances in the Philippines. When they do return (which is very rare), they suffer from both physical and mental trauma as a result of their experience.
Children who are in prison are not de facto protected as they ought to be. Although the country’s legislation forbids inhuman and degrading treatment, numerous reports leave one with the impression that children in prison are still being subjected to torture.
Right to an Identity
17% of births are not officially registered in the Philippines. The country has made some progress on this issue. However, not all children are able to benefit from these improvements. Indeed, most Muslim and indigenous children still lack an official identity.
This leads to great difficulties for such individuals because, owing to their official nonexistence in the eyes of society, they will be unable to enjoy their rights.
Child Soldiers
The Philippines number among 20 countries in which children are often deployed as soldiers in armed conflicts. Certain armed groups have recently stated that they will no longer use children in this capacity; however, the total absence of child soldiers is far from being verified.
Totally prohibited by the International Convention of Children’s Rights, the use of child soldiers is an abhorrent practice whose effects on the health and well-being of children are wholly negative. Such children are caught up in a violent and cruel environment where they are in constant danger of being killed. Their role models are brutal and aggressive men whose influence on their development will clearly be far from positive.
Child Marriage
14% of young women in the Philippines get married before the age of 18. One prepares them very early in life for their future role as a wife. However, these marriages often have grave consequences for the health of these young girls who do not understand what such a marriage entails.
Violence against Children
Corporal punishment is frequently practiced in the Philippines, notably within the family. It is not the object of any explicit legislation. Thus, many children suffer daily from violence at the hands of their parents who treat them in a cruel and humiliating manner.
Children are equally the victims of sexual abuse in certain families. These are serious crimes and all too often they are not condemned, nor does the justice system adequately protect children from threats and intimidation on the part of criminals.
Justice for Minors
The Committee of Children’s Rights has expressed profound concern about justice for minors. With regard to armed conflict, there have been numerous executions and extrajudicial imprisonments involving children. The killing of children is a serious violation of the Convention of Children’s Rights; yet the crimes themselves remain unpunished. The Philippines thus needs to make a more concerted effort to put a stop to these practices and to actively see to it that the authors of these atrocities are held responsible for their acts. As it stands, the pursuit of justice in relation to such crimes is insufficient and the results are profoundly deceiving.
In addition, there are hundreds of people who are the victims of forced disappearances in the Philippines. When they do return (which is very rare), they suffer from both physical and mental trauma as a result of their experience.
Children who are in prison are not de facto protected as they ought to be. Although the country’s legislation forbids inhuman and degrading treatment, numerous reports leave one with the impression that children in prison are still being subjected to torture.
Right to an Identity
17% of births are not officially registered in the Philippines. The country has made some progress on this issue. However, not all children are able to benefit from these improvements. Indeed, most Muslim and indigenous children still lack an official identity.
This leads to great difficulties for such individuals because, owing to their official nonexistence in the eyes of society, they will be unable to enjoy their rights.
