About us

Sulong CARHRIHL is a citizens’ network that promotes peace, human rights and humanitarian law in areas affected by armed conflict. It advocates the meaningful implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) by the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front. Sulong CARHRIHL builds partnerships with other NGOs, peoples and sectoral organizations, local communities, religious and academic institutions, and individuals who share the same advocacy.

Why is the CARHRIHL an important instrument?

The CARHRIHL is the first substantive agreement signed by the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). It was signed in 1998, and by mutual agreement, it took effect in 2004.

Despite violations and difficulties in implementation, Sulong CARHRIHL believes that there are several advantages provided by the signing of the CARHRIHL for the people affected by the armed conflict.

The CARHRIHL provides protection to individuals and communities directly affected by the conflict, and sets concrete measures to promote HR/IHL.
As signatories to the CARHRIHL, it holds both the GRP and the CPP-NPA-NDF accountable for their actions.
It gives human rights victims additional recourse to seek justice for violations committed on and after 7 August 1998.
Through active advocacy and enforcement, it serves as a mechanism for prevention of HR/IHL violations and conflict.
It promotes HR/IHL norms among all actors which is important in building a just and peaceful society.
It enhances the environment for more substantial agreements leading to a peaceful settlement of the armed conflict.

Many provisions of the CARHRIHL are supported by related laws like the International Humanitarian Law Act (Republic Act No. 9851), the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (RA8371), the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Anti-Torture Law (RA 9745), the Special Protection of Children Act (Republic Act No. 7610) and the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

For a list of our partners in peace. Click here.