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(b)
The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, in 2003;
(c) The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
involvement of children in armed conflict, in 2003, and the Optional Protocol to the
Convention on sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, in 2002;
(d)
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
in 1989, and the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant, in 2007;
(e)
The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of their Families, in 1995;
(f)
The Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1990;
(g)
The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially
Women and Children, in 2002, supplementing the United Nations Convention against
Transnational Organized Crime.
5.
The Committee notes with satisfaction the ongoing efforts at the State level to reform its
legislation, policies and procedures in order to ensure better protection of human rights,
including the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
or punishment, in particular:
(a)
The adoption, in 2006, of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (RA 9344) as well as
the creation of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council to ensure the effective implementation of the
Act;
(b)
The enactment, in 2006, of Republic Act 9346, abolishing the death penalty;
(c)
The adoption, in 2004, of the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children
Act (RA 9262) which defines violence against women and their children, providing for
protective measures for victims and penalties for the perpetrators of the violence;
(d)
The adoption, in 2003, of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208);
(e)
The adoption, in 1997, of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (RA 8371);
(f)
The issuance, in December 2008, of Administrative Order 249 which directed
concerned Executive branches of government to institute policies, programs and projects that
would further enhance human rights in the Philippines; and
(g)
The promulgation, in October 2007, by the Supreme Court of the Recourse to the
Rule of Writ of Amparo and the Rule of the Writ of Habeas Data.
6.
The Committee notes with appreciation that the State party has initiated a number of
practical policies, programmes and projects, including the “Access to Justice for the Poor”
Project (AJPP), the Mobile Court or “Justice on Wheels” programme of the Supreme Court and
the recent directive by the National Police Commission to activate human rights desks in all
police stations nationwide.