CHR Conducted Public Inquiry on Red-Tagging Incidents

Over recent years, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had received numerous complaints regarding threats to the life, liberty, and security of individuals and organizations subjected to red-tagging. This practice, also known as red-baiting, was described by the United Nations Human Rights Council as “vilification, labeling, or guilt by association.” It had become a significant concern for human rights defenders (HRDs), civil society organizations, members of the academe, and even government officials and employees.

In response to these concerns and in line with its constitutional mandate to investigate all forms of human rights violations, the CHR conducted a public inquiry into the current situation of HRDs, with a specific focus on incidents of red-tagging. The inquiry aimed to identify the acts or practices that constitute red-tagging, understand the concept from the perspective of various sectors, and propose policies and other possible redress mechanisms to ensure accountability.

The public inquiry, which was fact-finding and non-adversarial, took place on July 29-30, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Session Hall, 2nd floor, SAAC Building, Commission on Human Rights, University of the Philippines – Diliman Complex, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. The CHR had invited the participation of all concerned parties and stakeholders to contribute to this critical examination of red-tagging and its impact on human rights in the Philippines.

Public Inquiry on the Current Situation of Human Rights Defenders with Focus on Incidents of Red-Tagging https://www.facebook.com/chrgovph/videos/1767398157122811/

Public Inquiry on the Current Situation of Human Rights Defenders with Focus on Incidents of Red-Tagging Part2 https://www.facebook.com/chrgovph/videos/1488083021896103