Philippines: CHR launches rights database

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will launch on Monday a computer-based management information system to help it monitor and investigate human rights violations.

The "CHR Investigation Module of the Martus-based Executive Information System [EIS]" was funded by the Asia Foundation with the support of the US Embassy, the CHR said in a statement released over the weekend.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney will be guest speaker at Monday's launching of the EIS at CHR headquarters in Quezon City.

In the statement, CHR chairperson Leila de Lima described the information system as "a good development not only for the CHR but more so for its clients and stakeholders."

De Lima said developing the information system for the CHR required "mental calisthenics" and extensive research. The new digital system will provide the commission with a comprehensive database on human rights cases and their status.

It will "definitely help solve the list of extrajudicial killings and disappearance cases filed before the independent constitutional body," she said.

The EIS will allow the CHR to monitor its investigations, track the status and progress of human rights cases all over the country, and supply information for research and policy development.

It will connect the CHR's 15 regional offices, including the National Capital Region and seven sub-offices nationwide.

The Asia Foundation, with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted workshops among CHR personnel in Davao and Metro Manila on the new management information system, with more training seminars scheduled in the near future, the CHR said.

Date: 25 January 2009

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer