MARAWI CITY—The National Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on May 11 to strengthen their partnership and work towards promoting human rights in the Bangsamoro region.

The MOA signifies a significant step forward towards protecting the Filipino people, including the Bangsamoro, and empowering their communities.

CHR Chairperson Lawyer Richard Palpal-Latoc expressed his support for BHRC, emphasizing that both institutions will work together to instill the value of human rights in every Filipino.

"One of the thrusts of the CHR is strengthening ties with the BARMM through the BHRC so that it can forge a stronger culture of human rights in the country," he said.

The CHR is an independent office mandated to investigate complaints of human rights violations and promote the protection, respect, and enhancement of civil and political rights of the people. The BHRC, on the other hand, is focused on the promotion and protection of human rights within the Bangsamoro region.

BHRC Chairperson Lawyer Abdul Rashid Kalim expressed his deep intentions to protect human rights and to discuss the issues and concerns of the Bangsamoro people both inside and outside the territory.

He also acknowledged the significance of the partnership with CHR, saying, "It is a big privilege that the CHR came (here) and that this is such a historical moment."

Lawyer Faydah Dumarpa, a Muslim member of the national CHR, BHRC commissioner Archie Buaya, and the Support to the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) were also present during the MOA signing. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)