Freedom from Discrimination

(The Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal
protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in
violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the
elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory.
Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher
education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to
the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall
promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious
groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of
peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their
children.

Issue: (Racism)

The subject of racism in the Philippines exists here, but I think the term racism is often
out of context. Doesnt it imply that one group has power or ability to discriminate?
Prejudice is probably a more accurate word to describe the attitude towards people
judged to look or be different than us, beit religion,race, class, skin, weight, height,
wealthy poor and really just about anything else.

Issue: (Persons with disabilities)

Persons with disabilities are still often 'invisible' in society. They are either segregated or
simply ignored as passive objects of charity. They are denied their rights to be included
in the general school system; to be employed; to live independently in the community;
to move freely; to vote; to participate in sport and cultural activities; to enjoy social
protection; to live in an accessible built and technological environment; to access

justice; to enjoy freedom to choose medical treatments; and to enter freely into legal
commitments such as buying and selling of property.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities sets out international human
rights standards for all persons with disabilities in the world. It views persons with
disabilities as having legal rights and protects them from discrimination. It requires
States, the private sector and others to take on the responsibility of respecting,
protecting and fulfilling those rights. It promotes international cooperation towards
development and humanitarian assistance. It requires national and international
independent monitoring. The Optional Protocol to the Convention provides a means for
individuals to complain when their rights are not respected.

Issue: (Gender)

How the Philippine society may appear tolerant towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender (LGBT) people, but stories of stigma and discrimination against members of
the population abound. So much so that, according to the report by civil society and
human rights groups to the UN Human Rights Committee, widespread and systematic
human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation (and) gender identity still
persist in the Philippines.

The prevailing stigma associated with sexual diversity and the actual discrimination
experienced by members of the community drive LGBT people to situations that place
them at greater risk. Experience has shown that when people are stigmatized because
of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are less likely to access the HIV
services they need, therefore, this leads to new HIV infections and AIDS deaths.

Cognizant of these realities, UNDP teamed up with Health Action Information Network
(HAIN) and TLF-SHARE Collective to help strengthen response for the MSM and
transgender populations. The UNDP Programme was able to give opportunity for MSM
and transgender groups and organizations to be capacitated in terms of governance,
advocacy and organizational development. Moreover, it helped create an opportunity
for stakeholders and duty bearers to come together towards greater and cooperative
approaches to halt and reverse the HIV and AIDS epidemic affecting MSM and
transgender Filipinos, said Anastacio Marasigan, Jr., Board Member of TLF-SHARE
Collective.

ARNOLD LACERNA BACULI

2nd level PHILIPPINE LAW SCHOOL