PHILIPPINES

FNF Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights Sign Partner Agreement to Expand the Promotion of Human Rights in Philippine Localities

On June 9, 2025, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) entered a partner agreement to implement projects promoting human rights in the Philippines.

The agreement was signed at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City by Dr. Almut Besold, FNF Philippines Country Director, and Hon. Richard Palpal-latoc, CHR Chairperson.  Witnesses of the momentous occasion include Ms. Yanyan Araña, FNF Philippines Project Manager, and Ms. Princess S. Molleno, Chief of the CHR Project Management Division.

Through the agreement theCHR will be undertaking an activity entitled “People Helping People Learning Seminar on HRBA in Local Community Governance: Building rights-based leadership among elected youth leaders.” The three-phased participatory learning session project targets the mentorship of 40 Barangay Youth/Sanggunian Kabataang officials outside of Metro Manila on key concepts and principles of human rights, including gender and children’s rights. Overall, the goal of the project is to impart and ensure an in-depth appreciation of human rights values in everyday life at the grassroots level, as well as an understanding of the mandate and functions of the CHR.

The project aligns with the foundation’s wider mandate to help people be aware of and understand human rights as  a way of life and governance to realize economic, social, cultural, civil and political freedoms.

Aside from these key points, the landmark agreement also covers provisions on financing, reporting requirements, inventory, and other elements vital to the success of the joint venture.

While the event marks a new chapter in the partnership between FNF Philippines and the CHR, the two organizations have long worked closely to advocate for and advance human rights in the country. Chairperson Palpal-latoc highlighted this joint commitment in his speech, stating, "The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Philippines has been a steadfast partner in advancing liberal democratic values, not just in our country, but across the region. Their commitment to fostering dialogue, building capacities, and supporting civil society aligns perfectly with our mission to make human rights a lived reality for all Filipinos."

In her own speech, FNF Philippines Country Director Dr. Besold shared this same sentiment. Thanking the CHR for its partnership, she reiterated that their joint projects on upholding freedom and human rights reflect the core principles of FNF Philippines’ own work.

Kyra Nicole Abastillas is FNF Philippine's intern this June to August 2025.