Labor Rights Upheld as Human Rights, Freedom Reinforced
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), reaffirmed a shared commitment to uphold labour rights as human rights, placing freedom of association at the heart of social justice.
The recently concluded Freedom of Association (FOA) joint training in Pampanga brought together CHR officials, investigators and training specialists to strengthen national mechanisms that promote, monitor and protect workers' rights. It equipped them with practical tools to investigate violations, engage in policy advocacy, and cascade knowledge at national and local levels.
"The CHR underscores the importance of protecting freedom of association in guaranteeing the enjoyment of other human rights, including those recognized by the ILO as fundamental principles and rights at work," said CHR Chairperson Atty. Richard Palpal-latoc.
"Through our partnership with the ILO, CHR continues to strengthen its capacity to monitor and investigate violations and abuses of rights in the world of work. Be assured that the Commission will actively work toward the fulfillment of all human rights, including labour rights," Chairperson Palpal-latoc emphasized.
Supported by the Government of Canada through the Strengthening Freedom of Association and Action against Child Labour in the Philippines, the joint training also strengthened coordination between DOLE and CHR on case referral, investigation and monitoring as key steps following the recommendations of the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission. The joint training is now integrated into DOLE's e-Campus platform to ensure sustained labour education across sectors.
DOLE Bureau of Labor Relations Director Alfonso Arturo Herbosa highlighted that freedom of association enables workers and employers to reach common understanding and improve working conditions through education and dialogue.
"This is very important for the DOLE - that we are able to promote, protect and fulfill freedom of association for our workers, by which they can improve their conditions, get better terms, and enhance their productivity in the workplace. I believe that this project would allow us to reach not only workers and employers but all other sectors of society," said DOLE Director Herbosa.
The joint training coincides with the World Day of Social Justice and aligns with the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development, which underscores that social justice, decent work, and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing and indispensable for inclusive and sustainable societies.
The Philippines joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice in 2024, reinforcing its pledge to advance full and productive employment, decent work and social dialogue in line with international commitments. Strengthening freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining is central to that pledge.
"Freedom of association is not only a labour right, but also a human right. When workers are free to organize and engage in genuine social dialogue, they help shape fairer workplaces, more productive enterprises, and more resilient communities. By equipping the CHR with the tools, knowledge and partnerships to monitor and protect these rights, we are strengthening the foundations of a human rights economy, one where dignity at work drives inclusive growth and social justice for all," said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.
The continued collaboration among the ILO, CHR, and DOLE demonstrates that protecting labour rights requires concrete systems, coordinated institutions, and sustained education. Strengthening freedom of association and social dialogue remains central to advancing decent work, inclusive development and social justice in the Philippines.
The initiative builds on consolidated FOA modules developed with government, workers' and employers' organizations and labour-focused civil society groups.
https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/freedom-association-reinforced-uphold-labour-rights-human-rights
View Original | AusPol.co Disclaimer