COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT DIVISION
About GOJUST
The Governance in Justice - Human Rights Component Project is a collaborative effort between the European Union (EU), the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). This project aims to strengthen governance and promote respect for human rights in the Philippines.​The collaboration began with discussions between the EU, AECID, and CHR to address issues related to justice and human rights in the Philippines. Recognizing the importance of human rights protection for sustainable development, the parties decided to join forces and implement a project focused on these areas.
With a total grant of EUR 19 million (Php 1.1 billion) over a period of four years, the EU’s GOJUST programme supports the Government of the Republic of the Philippines’ efforts to improve access to justice for all Filipinos.
The first component of GOJUST works on Justice reform with the Philippine Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to develop more responsive and accountable justice services in the country.
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In addition, GOJUST supports the Commission on Human Rights’ strengthening drive to implement its constitutional mandate of civil and political rights protection and enhance human rights promotion in the Philippines. This component is co-funded with the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation (AECID), with an additional EUR 1 million (Php 59.47 million).
Key Milestones
The GOJUST programme has played a critical role in supporting the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) of the Philippines. Through targeted interventions and capacity-building efforts, GOJUST has contributed to the CHR’s mission of protecting and promoting the human rights of every Filipino. Key milestones of the programme include:
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Institutional Capacity Enhancement
GOJUST has supported the CHR in strengthening its institutional capacity to respond to human rights violations more effectively. By providing technical assistance, resources, and training to CHR staff, the programme has enhanced the Commission’s ability to investigate cases, monitor human rights situations, and provide timely interventions for victims of abuse and injustice.
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34%
CHR Mental Health Focals and Human Rights Protection Personnel equipped with specialized Psychosocial Support training.
37%
CHR human resources were trained further on gender and development. Succeeding activities are being undertaken to ensure 100% of CHR human resources are capacitated.
Human Rights Education and Advocacy
A core focus of GOJUST’s support has been the CHR’s advocacy and education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about human rights among Filipinos. The programme has helped develop and implement comprehensive human rights education programmes, ensuring that people from all sectors, specially the marginalized and vulnerable, are informed of their rights and the mechanisms available to protect them.
10
New MOAs signed for establishment of CHRE
124
BHRAO and city officials participated in a Human Rights 101 and Paralegal Training session
700+
Representatives from CSOs participated in Human Rights Training and Paralegal Workshops
270+
Members of the AFP and PNP participated in Human Rights Training and Workshops
14
Regions that participated and took part in the Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan (LaKarAn) Regional Human Rights Education Caravan.
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Support for Policy Development and Legislative Advocacy
GOJUST has aided the CHR in its efforts to influence human rights-centered policies and legislation. By collaborating with lawmakers and other government bodies, the programme has enabled the Commission to advocate for laws and policies that uphold and protect the human rights of all Filipinos.
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26
Human Rights Ordinances and Resolutions in Local Government Units were passed
104
Local legislators participated during the Community-based Dialogue on Human Rights Policies
4
Human rights tools were developed in relation to election monitoring in Local Government Units
Strengthening Regional Presence and Accessibility
Recognizing the need to make human rights protection more accessible across the country, GOJUST has supported the expansion and enhancement of CHR’s regional offices. This has improved the Commission’s reach and ability to respond to human rights concerns, particularly in underserved and remote areas, ensuring that every Filipino can access the CHR’s services and interventions.
100+
Quick Impact Projects implemented with Partners CSOs and CHREs
8
Ongoing construction of CHR office buildings and Gender and Development Training Halls in Regions 4A, 4B, 9, the National Capital Region, Bicol, and Davao
6
Jail visits and Legal Caravans were conducted in three densely populated detention facilities in Metro Manila, including the most congested women's correctional centers, as well as in Kidapawan, Palawan, and Guagua as part of the LaKarAn Regional Human Rights Caravan.
