HUMAN RIGHTS
[Link] Rights-Based Policing (HRBP)
- is the comprehensive,systematic, and institutional compliance with international human rights
standards and practices in the conduct of police or law enforcement functions. It is also an approach to
policing that defines the relationship between individual citizens and various groups or sectors of society
as claim holders whose rights have to be respected and protected by the police; and the Police as duty
holders that have obligations to respect,protect and fulfill human rights. HRBP also aims to empower
claimholders to claim their rights, while strengthening the capacities of duty-holders to meet their
duties and obligations as human rights protectors.
[Link] Rights-Based Policing has several characteristics
-Strict Observance of Police
Policies and Procedures Human Rights-Based Policing entails strict observance of police policies and
operational procedures. Most, if not all violations of human rights occur when police officers do not
follow established policies and procedures. Shortcuts, omissions, or blatant disregard for procedures
are unacceptable behavior that violate our national laws, PNP rules and regulations, and generally
accepted socio-cultural [Link] police officers follow and apply proper procedures, they uphold
human rights while doing all that is possible to ensure that the subsequent case to be filed in court
against a suspect would prosper, in the higher interest of justice.
-Adherence to International Human Rights Standards for Law Enforcement
Human Rights-Based Policing is about adhering to international standards of human rights in law
enforcement. There are at least ten (10) basic international human rights standards for law enforcement
that all police organizations around the world must strive to attain. By adhering to international
standards, the PNP is able to comply with a uniform set of principles and practices that is expected from
all police officers by the international community.
-Professional Competence and Courteous Service
Human Rights-Based Policing is demonstrated through professional competence and courtesy. In order
to prevent human rights violations, the police must only use calibrated force to subdue suspects. This
can only be taught through realistic simulation of incidents involving both armed and unarmed
suspects; as well as compliant and resisting persons. They must understand that force is only used
when normal persuasion fails and when it is absolutely necessary to overcome a threat to public safety
- Respect for Rule of Law and Civilian Supremacy
Human Rights-Based Policing is anchored on the rule of law and recognition of civilian supremacy.
From the term law enforcement,it is understood that there can be no enforcement apart from the law.
Any act of enforcement (that is, the use of police powers or any manner of application of force) apart
from the law may be considered criminal, or at the very least, an abuse of authority. Respect for rule of
law and civilian supremacy is best exemplified when the police practices accountability for all its actions
or, as the case may be, inaction on matters related to the protection of people’s legal rights.
-Pro-Democracy and Pro-Citizen
Human Rights-Based Policing is democratic and citizencentered. Democratic values are best
demonstrated by the police when it seeks greater participation by the community in maintaining peace
and order.
3. The “PANTHER” principles, which are human rights principles, are captured by the
principles of the VGGT and are thus fundamental for their implementation. “PANTHER”
refers to Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Transparency, Human Dignity,
Empowerment and Rule of law. The lessons learned on these principles through the
implementation of the Right to Food Guidelines could provide a great guidance for the
implementation of several VGGT paragraphs listed below.
4. New laws on Human rights and international Humanitation law in philippines
R.A 9745
R.A 10350
R.A 9851
