CHR: Bahay Pagasa offers poor living condition to minors

BAHAY Pag-asa, a state-run shelter system for children in conflict with the law (CICL), offers little more than four walls and a roof over the heads of its wards, contrary to its objectives of offering a temporary home and nurturing hope for the troubled youngsters.

- BY PETER TABINGO

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday called for the government to urgently address poor conditions and child protection gaps in several Bahay Pag-asa (BPA) facilities across the country.

In a situation report released last month, the CHR said its findings documented serious issues in the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act or Republic Act No. 9344.

The report cited violence during a child's apprehension, ill-treatment by facility personnel, and facilities that are designed more like jails than safe spaces for children.