Guidebook Most Vulnerable Grps Rights Oct 10 2015 v3

Protection of rights, promotion of
interests of the Most Vulnerable Groups

during Armed Conflict Situations
A CONFLICT SENSITIVE AND PEACE PROMOTING
(CSPP) GUIDEBOOK

This guidebook attempts to enumerate the minimum requirements that must be

satisfied to protect the rights and promote the interests of the most vulnerable
groups during times of armed conflict. The discussions are clustered on a per
sector basis Women, Children, Indigenous Peoples, Elderly, and Persons With
Disabilities.
The protection of rights and promotion of interests frames the entire list of
reminders contained in this guidebook. These look-outs are based on existing
laws, executive orders, and inputs from agencies concerned.
OPAPP Policy Unit

Draft v3 Oct 10 2015
I.
ARMED CONFLICT SITUATION
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF

MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS (MVGs)

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. All procedures and processes should be handled by a professional and/ or someone
who has been trained to handle peace and security issues of Most Vulnerable Groups
(Women, Children, IPs, Elderly and PWDs) and/or the specific case at hand.

Procedures and Processes may include but are not limited to the following:
Interviews and Questioning

Legal Procedures including Documentation, Reporting, Investigation and Prosecution of cases
Medical Examinations and Evaluations
Registration Procedures
Stress Debriefings
Counseling and Therapy
Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Processes such as Turn-in and Collection
of Firearms, Profiling and Inventory

Meanwhile, 'Professionals' may include but is not limited to the following:
Examining Physicians and Medical Personnel

Social Workers
Security Forces (i.e. AFP & PNP)
Government Employees and Service Providers
Humanitarian Aid Workers including their volunteers

A person of the same sex is to handle the case involving a female but should there be special
instances where a practitioner of the opposite sex is needed, this may be allowed provided that
the female client agrees. In cases involving children, elderly and persons-with-disability, a Social
Worker should be present to facilitate the process, especially when filling in Intake
questionnaires and when questioning children.

2. When a child is involved, his/ her best interests shall be the paramount consideration
at all times. It must be ensured that no further harm shall be caused on the child.

The child must be informed and made to understand why he/she is undertaking any procedure,
hence all procedures must be carried out in a language that is known and understandable to the
OPAPP Policy Unit

child, preferably in a the child's mother tongue. And this procedure must be done in the
presence of an elderly relative, recognized guardian or social worker.

3. All procedures must be conducted in a timely and immediate manner, especially when
involving children.

In cases involving children, procedures must be carried out within 24 hours but not exceeding 72
hours or the shortest duration possible. If the 24 hour mandate is not feasible, any government
employee and/or person responsible for the custody of the child should inform the CWC and/or
the nearest DSWD office that there are children in custody / involved.

Note: In accordance with the GPH Monitoring, Reporting and Response System on Grave Child
Rights Violations (GPH-MRRS), a child must be turned over to civilian authority (DSWD, CWC or
PNP) at the soonest possible time.

4. Respect and Promotion for Traditional IP and cultural laws, traditions, customs,
practices and other indigenous cultural systems, most especially the Right to Self-
Determination and FPIC.

When an indigenous person is involved or in custody, procedures are to be conducted in IP's
own language or in a language understandable to the client, and/or translators and interpreters
must be provided.

5. All records and information relating to a case must be kept strictly confidential,
especially when children are involved. Nothing must be disclosed to the public unless
there was a formal, written consent by the victim / survivor.

Children, with consideration to their age and maturity, must be informed of every policy and
procedure involving them and in the presence of a recognized adult family member or social
worker.

6. All records and reports must be securely stored. Only those in authority and have valid
reason to have access to information will be allowed to do so.

With regards children and their coverage and exposure in media, existing media guidelines for
minors must be adhered to.

7. Immediate and Adequate Provision of Basic Needs and Services must be provided to
members of most vulnerable groups under custody.

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Women, Children, Elderly, Indigenous People and Persons-with-disabilities must have equal
access to and control of services that may include but are not limited to:
Immediate Basic Needs (food, water, clothing and shelter)

Education and Training
Livelihood and Employment
Physical and Mental Health and Therapy
Legal / Access to Justice
Physical Security Guarantees
Social Protection Programs (SSS, Philhealth, etc)
Infrastructure

Basic Needs and Services must take into account the following:
Female's biological / reproductive health needs (referring to Minimum Initial Service Package -
MISP requirements)
Child's health care needs based on stage of development (i.e. infant, toddler, pubescent, young
adult, etc.)
Elderly and Persons-with-disability care, especially those who are sick and suffering from ill
health or medical conditions which need immediate or regular treatment

8. AFP / Military quarters and camps must be located at least 50 meters away from
schools, churches and hospitals (but may locate themselves in an advantageous
position (i.e. high ground) for security of these institutions). Schools, including
churches and hospitals, are not to be utilized for any military-related functions,
including storage / warehouses of equipment, materiel, etc., the exception to this
being schools and hospitals located inside AFP camps.

Special Protection Mechanisms must be in place for those who leave armed groups (i.e. Escaped
or Surrendered) and those who are survivors and witnesses of SGBV, VAW and other HRVs. For
instance, FRs who recently surrendered should not be immediately merged with the other FRS
in temporary shelters.

9. There should be priority and express lanes for pregnant women, Women with
Children, Elderly and Persons-with-disabilities.

10. Create a "Barrier-Free Environment" for Elderly and Persons-with-disabilities by
ensuring the accessibility of facilities and other physical spaces through construction
of proper railings, ramps, grab bars, etc. with appropriate signage, especially at
entrances, doors, hallways, restrooms or toilets, waiting areas and lobbies, elevators
and parking lots

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11. Except in the case of families, males and females are to be separated in detention
facilities, as well as Child FRs, should there be any, must also separate from the Adults,
who are most often their previous commanders.

Women- and Child-friendly spaces must be provided for Nursing / Pregnant Women as well as
Children. "Child-friendly" spaces may be similar to a day-care center, with play area, toys, books
etc. at the minimum.

Accordingly, the appropriate location and placement of structures within a facility (i.e. bathing
cubicles, toilets, breastfeeding spaces, kitchen, recreation spaces and other "friendly-spaces")
must consider carefully the safety and security of MVGs.

The establishment of crisis centers providing support groups and networks is also
recommended.

12. Tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools must be made
available in "accessible formats" i.e. in large print of text and pictures, Braille and/or
multiple languages. They should also be made available in various media platforms
such as print, video, web/social media and audio.

13. Guides, Readers, Professional Sign Language Interpreters and/or other Interpreting
Services should be made available to readily assist Persons-with-Disabilities and/or
the Elderly, when needed.

14. Use of Gender-fair and disability-sensitive language (aka "people-fist language) in any
policy and document.

15. The interests, skills and special needs of the most vulnerable groups must be
considered and incorporated in the crafting of policies and designing of programs.

Hence, consultations and dialogues with the members of most vulnerable groups and/or
organizations representing them must be conducted in order to identify such specific needs.

Additionally, conflict analysis tools (including Conflict-sensitive and Peace Promoting (CSPP) and
gender analysis frameworks) may also be utilized in order to effectively identify and address the
roots of conflict.

16. Activities must be conducted to raise awareness on the peace and security issues
affecting most vulnerable groups and their important role in peacemaking,
peacekeeping and peace building.
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17. There must be clear and regular communication with the clientele (either FR or
community) regarding:
the intention behind programs (and packages) as well as its impact to the community
the "benefits" and/or incentives of each program
success stories / best practices
how the public (CSOs, Business Sector, etc) can "buy-in" into the whole process

18. Agencies and LGUs should disaggregate data on two levels:
Conflict vs. Non-conflict Area

Sex- / Age- / Disability- / Ethnicity- Disaggregation

19. Representation of the most vulnerable groups in organizations and mechanisms that
will be established must be ensured.

Children, however, may voluntarily participate in any process/procedure involving the child and
shall be regarded with respect as an equal, of which his/her strengths, abilities and interests are
recognized.

20. Mechanisms should be in place to guarantee the active and meaningful participation
of Women, Children, Indigenous People, Elderly and Persons-with-disabilities in any
affair, process and/or organization, from beginning to end (from conceptualization /
planning to monitoring and evaluation), most especially when involving decision-
making matters affecting their lives.

For instance, MVGs and civil society organizations representing them and their interests should
be able to meaningfully participate in monitoring and evaluation of programs, projects and
activities (PPAs). They should also be able to participate in all stages of DDR (from program
development to implementation to monitoring and evaluation), even in Community Healing and
Reconciliation in the Transitional Justice processes.
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WOMEN / GIRLS

Sensitive Handling and Treatment
Is the professional handling the case a person of the same sex?
Should it be a special circumstance that the opposite sex is needed, does the female client
agree?

Language and Communication
Is the language used in any policy and document gender-fair/gender-neutral?
Are tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools gender-sensitive?

Privacy and Confidentiality of Witnesses and Survivors of Human Rights Violations (HRVs)
Are records and information relating to a case, especially of Sexual and Gender-based Violence,
kept strictly confidential, especially when involving girls?
Are records and reports of cases, especially of Sexual and Gender-based Violence, securely
stored?
When disclosing or sharing information, is there a formal, written consent from the victim or
survivor?

Physical Spaces and Facilities (i.e. IDP Camps, Temporary Shelters, Detention and Evacuation Centers)
Except in the case of families, are females separated from the males in facilities?
Are there women-friendly spaces provided for Nursing/Pregnant women?
Are there crisis centers established to provide support for women in need? Are womens groups
and networks tapped?
Is there a priority or express lane for the pregnant women or women with children?
Is the location and placement of structures within a facility (i.e. bathing cubicles, toilets,
breastfeeding spaces, kitchen, recreation spaces and other "friendly-spaces") appropriate and
carefully-considered to ensure the safety and security of the most vulnerable groups, especially
women and girls?
Are basic needs and services immediately and adequately provided to women and girls under
custody?
While in custody, do women and girls have equal access to and control of:

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Basic Needs

Food (especially for lactating
mothers)
Water
Clothing
Temporary Shelter

Basic Services
Legal Services / Access to Justice (lawyers, courts, etc.)
Physical Security Guarantees (Witness Protection)
Infrastructure(Roads, Electricity, Water Systems)
Hygienic spaces for breastfeeding mothers

In the provision of basic needs and services, are the females biological and reproductive health
needs taken into account?
For young girls, were their needs based on their stage of development (i.e. infant, toddler,
pubescent, young adult, etc) carefully considered?
For elderly women and those with disabilities, were their special health and medical needs
taken into account?
For IP women and girls, are their cultural needs considered?

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CHILDREN
Children:
Persons below 18 years of age or those over but are unable to fully protect themselves
from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental
disability or condition (RA 7610)


Are the childs best interests the paramount consideration at all times?
Is there a Social Worker present to facilitate the process, especially when filling in Intake
Questionnaires and questioning children?
Are the necessary procedures normally carried out within 24 hours but not exceeding a
maximum of 72 hours?
If 24 hours was not feasible, does the government employee or person responsible inform CWC
and DSWD that there is a child in custody?
Is the child immediately turned over to civilian authorities?
Is the child voluntarily participating in the process and in the presence of a recognized relative
or social worker?

Are tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools child-friendly?
With consideration to his/her age and maturity, is the child informed and made to understand
why he/she is undertaking a particular procedure?
Is the language used known and understandable to the child?
With regards exposure in media, are existing media guidelines for minors adhered to?

stored?
survivor in the presence of an adult whom the child recognizes as a relative or guardian, or a
social worker?

Are AFP / Military quarters and camps located at least 50 meters away from schools, churches
and hospitals? (Schools, including churches and hospitals, are not to be utilized for any military-
related functions, including storage / warehouses of equipment, materiel, etc. An exception to
this rule is schools and hospitals located in AFP camps.)
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Are there child-friendly spaces for children available? ("Child-friendly" spaces may be similar to a
day-care center, with play area, toys, books etc. at the minimum.)
If a Former Rebel (FR) is a child, is he/she separated from the adult FRs, who are usually their
former commanders?
carefully-considered to ensure the safety and security of the most vulnerable groups, especially
children?
Are basic needs and services immediately and adequately provided to children, especially
toddlers and infants, under custody?
While in custody, do children have equal access to and control of:

Basic Needs
Basic Services

Children-Appropriate Food Livelihood and Employment
Water
Clothing
Legal Services / Access to Justice (lawyers, etc)
Temporary Shelter

Recreation areas (e.g. playgrounds/play areas)

In the provision of basic needs and services, are the special needs of children taken into
account? For instance, were the needs of young girls and boys based on their stage of
development (i.e. infant, toddler, pubescent, young adult, etc) carefully considered?
Are the cultural needs and characteristics of IP children considered in their handling?
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INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IPs)

Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples:
Group of people or homogenous societies identified by self-ascription and ascription by
others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally bounded
and defined territory, and who have, under claims of ownership since time immemorial,
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language,
customs, traditions and other distinctive cultural traits, or who have, through resistance
to political, social and cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous religions and
cultures, became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. ICCs/IPs shall
likewise include peoples who are regarded as indigenous on account of their descent
from the populations which inhabited the country, at the time of conquest or
colonization, or at the time of inroads of non-indigenous religions and cultures, or the
establishment of present state boundaries, who retain some or all of their own social,
economic, cultural and political institutions, but who may have been displaced from their
traditional domains or who may have resettled outside their ancestral domains (RA
8371, Sec 3h)
Are traditional IP cultural laws, traditions, customs, practices and other indigenous cultural
systems, i.e. the Right to Self-Determination and FPIC, respected and promoted?

Are tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools available in the language of
the IP?
Is the procedure conducted in the IPs own language or in a language understandable to the
client? If not, are translators or interpreters provided?
Is the IP informed and made to understand why he/she is undertaking a particular procedure?
With regards exposure in media, are existing media guidelines for minors adhered to? For IP, are
there translators or interpreters present?

stored?
survivor in the language of the IP?

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carefully-considered to ensure the safety and security and cultural needs of the IPs especially
elderly women and girl IPs?
Were basic needs and services immediately and adequately provided to IPs under custody?
While in custody, do IPs have equal access to and control of:

Basic Needs
Basic Services

Culturally-Sensitive Food
Water
Clothing
Legal Services / Access to Justice in the IP dialect
Temporary Shelter

Spaces for IP socialization and worship

In the provision of basic needs and services, are the special needs of IPs taken into account?

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THE ELDERLY
Senior Citizen or Elderly:
Any resident citizen of the Philippines at least sixty (60) years old, including those who have retired from
both government officer and private enterprises, and has an income of not more than Sixty thousand
pesos (P60,000.00 per annum subject to review by the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) every three (3) years. (RA 7432, Sec 2)

Questionnaires and questioning the elderly or senior citizens?
Are there guides ready to assist the elderly when needed?

Are tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools made available in "accessible
formats" i.e. in large print of text and pictures, Braille and/or multiple languages?
Are they also made available in various media platforms such as print, video, web/social media
and audio?

kept strictly confidential and securely stored?
survivor or a literate and able-bodied recognized relative or social worker?

Is the facility or environment barrier-free for the elderly or senior citizen? (A barrier-free
environment means a physical space or structure is ensured to be free of barriers through
construction of proper railings, ramps, grab bars, etc. with appropriate signage, especially at
entrances, doors, hallways, restrooms or toilets, waiting areas and lobbies, elevators and
parking lots).
Is there a priority or express lane for the elderly?
In the provision of basic needs and services, are the special health and medical needs of the
elderly taken into account?
Are basic needs and services immediately & adequately provided to the elderly under custody?
While in custody, do the elderly have equal access to and control of:

Basic Needs
Basic Services

Food (culture-sensitive and Livelihood and Employment

elderly-appropriate)
Water
Legal Services / Access to Justice (Lawyers, etc)
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Clothing
Temporary Shelter
Medicine
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Elderly-appropriate infrastructure and spaces

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PERSONS-WITH-DISABILITY (PWDs)
Person with disability ("Disabled Persons"):
Persons suffering from restriction or different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or
sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal
for a human being. (RA 7277, Sec 4a)

Questionnaires and questioning the PWD?
Are there guides, readers, professional sign language interpreters and/or other interpreting
services ready to assist the PWD when needed?

Are tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools made available in "accessible
formats" i.e. in large print of text and pictures, Braille and/or multiple languages? Are they also
made available in various media platforms such as print, video, web/social media and audio?

kept strictly confidential and securely stored?
survivor or literate relative or social worker?

Is the facility or environment barrier-free for the person-with-disability? (A barrier-free
environment means a physical space or structure is ensured to be free of barriers through
construction of proper railings, ramps, grab bars, etc. with appropriate signage, especially at
entrances, doors, hallways, restrooms/ toilets, waiting areas & lobbies, elevators & parking lots).
Is there a priority or express lane for PWDs?
Are basic needs and services immediately and adequately provided to the PWDs under custody?
While in custody, do the PWD have equal access to and control of:

Basic Needs
Basic Services

Culturally-Sensitive Food Livelihood and Employment
Water
Clothing
Legal Services / Access to Justice (Lawyers, etc)
Temporary Shelter
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PWD-friendly spaces and infrastructure

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II. POST-CONFLICT SITUATION

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF MOST
VULNERABLE GROUPS (MVGs)

DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND REINTEGRATION (DDR), Defined
I.
-
DISARMAMENT / ARMS MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

Collection, documentation, control and disposal of small arms, ammunition, explosives and
light and heavy weapons of former rebels and often, also of the civilian population in a
predetermined area
o Turn-in, Collection and Inventory of Firearms (FAs)
o Disposition of Firearms, including Storage and Warehousing
II.
DEMOBILIZATION / DISBANDMENT OF ARMED GROUP
- The formal disbanding and discharge of former rebels from armed forces or other armed
groups
o Profiling and Registration of FRs
o Transformation of Armed Group into a Legal Organization (i.e. Socio-Economic
and/or Political Organization)

-
-
REINSERTION
Short-term intervention of providing immediate and necessary support packages to the
'demobilized'
The last phase of demobilization
o Synchronized, Adequate and Timely Provision of Basic Needs:
Food / Water / Nutrition
Clothing
Temporary Shelter
o Synchronized, Adequate and Timely Provision of Basic Services:
Medical / Physical Health Care and Treatment, which includes
but is not limited to: medicines, vaccines, examination /
evaluation and hospitalization
Mental / Psychological Care and Treatment, which includes but
is not limited to: initial stress debriefing, professional
counseling, medication and therapy
Family Tracing and Reunification
III.
REINTEGRATION
- Process by which former rebels acquire civilian status and gain sustainable employment and
income. Reintegration is essentially a social and economic process with an open timeframe,
primarily taking place in communities
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o
o
o
o
Social Protection (re/acquiring Citizenship and Identification)

Educational Opportunities and (Re)training, which includes but is not limited
to: Formal Education, Informal Education including
Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Street Education for Children, Vocational
and Technical Training; *Also applies to Madrasah education.
Livelihood and Employment, including Training Needs Assessment and Skills
Training
Recreation

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (TJ), Defined
-
An approach to systematic or massive violations of HRs that both provides redress to victims
and creates or enhances conditions that may have been at the root of the abuses

o Individual Psychosocial Healing ("from a combatant to a civilian
mindset")includes but is not limited to:
Stress Debriefing
Professional Counseling
Medication and Therapy
o Community Healing and Reconciliation
o Criminal Prosecution and Access to Justice includes but is not limited to:
Legal Consultation, Aid and Services
Documentation, Reporting, Investigation and Prosecution of Cases
(DRIPs)
o Truth Commissions includes but is not limited to:
Truth-telling Processes
Investigation and Reporting Bodies
o Reparation Programs usually in the form of
Financial / Material Support
Symbolic (i.e. Public Apologies, Days of Remembrances, etc)
o Institutional Reform / Security Sector Reform (SSR)
o Memorialization includes but is not limited to
Construction of Museums, Memorials, etc.
Renaming of Public Places
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WOMEN / GIRLS

Disarmament/ Arms Management and Control
Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Disaggregate data based on sex, age, ethnicity and disability
Guarantee gender-sensitive handling and treatment
Priority lanes for pregnant, elderly women and women with young children should be
established

Demobilization / Disbandment of Armed Group(s)
Ensure proper registration and profiling of female former rebels (FRs), with the use of
gender-sensitive tools and questionnaires
Guarantee gender-sensitive handling and treatment
Priority lanes for pregnant, elderly women and women with young children should be
established
Ensure the representation and meaningful participation of women and girls in
organization to be established

Reinsertion
Must recognize and meet the basic nutritional standards for women, especially the
pregnant and nursing / lactating mothers. Likewise, culturally-appropriate food must be
made available for Indigenous and Muslim women. There should also be considerations
for those with special medical conditions
Decent, culturally- and age-appropriate clothing must be provided to women, especially
those who are Muslim, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
Except in the case of families, males and females are to be separated in facilities
Women-friendly spaces must be provided for pregnant and/or nursing mothers

Priority lanes for pregnant and elderly women and women with young children should be
established
Location and placement of structures within a facility (i.e. bathing cubicles, toilets,
breastfeeding spaces, kitchen, recreation spaces and other "friendly-spaces") must be
appropriately placed and carefully-considered to ensure the safety and security of the most
vulnerable groups, especially women and girls
Physical / Medical health screening must be mandatorily provided and made available /
accessible for all women, in order to assess the necessary care and treatment needed.
o Womens special health care needs must be recognized and provided (i.e.
reproductive and gynecological care, especially for expectant mothers and
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menstruating women; those HIV/STD-inflicted) - kindly refer to MISP guidelines

for Reproductive Health.
o If the client is a Muslim woman, a female relative must also be present during a
medical / physical exam procedure.
Extensive trauma processing and healing must be provided for those who are survivors of
sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), violence against women (VAW) and other
human rights violations
Mothers must be reunified with their children immediately and/or at the soonest
possible time. However, a "family preparation" process is highly recommended prior to
reunification

Reintegration
Wives and female dependents must be informed of social protection packages available.
Women must be provided with opportunities to have independent and separate access
to social protection packages (i.e. SSS, Phil health / Health insurance etc.) from their male
counterparts and/or husbands
Childcare and family support services must be made available for women, especially the
mothers and/or those with families, to increase their chances of participation in trainings
/ educational opportunities being offered.
Responsible Parenthood must also be promoted, in order to share the responsibility of
caring for the home between men and women. Likewise, men must be seen as partners
in managing and caring for their homes and families.
Nontraditional courses, vocation and skills should be offered and made available for
women.
Educational opportunities made available must take into account the women's lost
educational opportunities and must be based on her interest, skills and knowledge. For
formal education, curriculum must also include peace education and basic human rights
education (with specific focus on the rights and issues of women and girls in armed
conflict situation)
Livelihood opportunities, skills and capacity-development must be accompanied with
supplementary trainings on money and/or business management, credit and loan
schemes, value-chain, etc, which shall increase the financial literacy of women and better
equipping them on handling and sustaining livelihood assistance received. Incentives, in
cash (i.e. "cash for training") or in kind, may also be available, to further encourage
women's participation in trainings being offered
Women must be offered opportunities beyond their traditionally-assigned
responsibilities at home, to ensure that there is equal distribution of work in the
household, as well as ensure a work-life balance for women
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TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (TJ)

Free legal assistance must be provided for women (and men) survivors of SGBV, VAW
and other human rights violations
o Priority and special attention must be given to women (and men) who have been
victims of SGBV and had been infected with STDs and HIV
o There must be free counseling and therapies for women (and men) FRs and those
in communities who are in need, especially those who have been victims of SGBV,
VAW, and other human rights violations
o Ensure RA 9851 and anti-VAW-related laws for women are strictly enforced.
Encourage the involvement and meaningful participation of women in the planning and
implementation of projects (from planning to monitoring and evaluation).
o Initiate dialogues and consultations with women FRs and women in communities
o There must be opportunities for the assignment of women to leadership and
decision-making positions.
o Women documenters must be available to 'document' such consultations and
processes initiated.
Must involve and tap national agencies and local CSOs representing and advocating for
women's rights
o Strong advocacy and campaign for rights and issues of most vulnerable groups
(MVGs) , particularly women in armed conflict (i.e. NAP, SGBV, etc)
When providing financial / material support, the needs of widows and dependents of FRs
who have been killed in armed conflict must be recognized. Income Generating Projects
(IGPs) must also be offered as supplementary assistance.
Basic Human Rights training, including Gender Sensitivity Trainings, of all key government
and security sector actors must include sectoral human rights (i.e. Women's Rights)
There is a need to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms such as:
o Barangay VAW desks
o Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP)
o Women and Children Protection Unit (DOH)
o Witness Protection Program
Push for the increase in the number of women in the security sector

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CHILDREN


Guarantee child-friendly handling and treatment
Storage and warehouses of equipment, materiel, etc. must be located at least 50 meters
away from schools, churches and hospitals. Schools, including churches and hospitals, are
not to be utilized for any military-related functions. An exception to this rule is schools
and hospitals located in AFP camps.

Ensure proper registration and profiling of child former rebels (FRs), should there be
any, with the use of child-friendly tools and questionnaires. Confidentiality policy of
minors should be adhered to at all times.
Guarantee child-friendly handling and treatment
Guarantee opportunities for children to participate in the organization to be established.
Children may be engaged in a support group / club.

Reinsertion
Must recognize and meet the basic nutritional standards for children, especially the
infants and toddlers. Likewise, culturally-appropriate food must be made available for
Indigenous and Muslim children. There should also be considerations for those with
special medical conditions
Decent, culturally- and age-appropriate clothing must be provided to children (have
clothing for infants, toddlers, etc.)
Except in the case of families, child former rebels, should there be any, are to be separated from
the adults, who are usually their former commanders, in facilities
Child-friendly spaces must be available at facilities ("Child-friendly" spaces may be similar to

a day-care center, with play area, toys, books etc. at the minimum.)
Location and placement of structures within a facility (i.e. bathing cubicles, toilets,
breastfeeding spaces, kitchen, recreation spaces and other "friendly-spaces") must be
appropriately placed and carefully-considered to ensure the safety and security of the most
vulnerable groups, especially children
Physical / Medical health screening as well as extensive trauma processing and healing
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are provided and made available / accessible for children, in order to assess the
necessary care and treatment needed.
o Priority and special attention must be given to children in special circumstances
needing even greater attention:
1. "Children with their own children" (i.e. Young Girl Mothers)
2. Children who have been victims of SGBV and had been infected with STDs
and HIV
3. Children who have been injured and/or suffering from disabilities
4. Infants and Toddlers
o It must be guaranteed that the child feels secure and comfortable at all times during
any procedure or treatment. If the child is a Muslim girl, a female relative must also
be present during a medical / physical exam procedure
All efforts must be made to keep or reunite children with their parents and families
immediately or at the soonest possible time. If the reunification process is taking long,
special measures should be undertaken in order to maintain a stable, emotional
relationship for the child.
o Provision of alternative parental care and temporary shelter for children is
necessary especially if the
1. child's family cannot be traced
2. child still needs special care (i.e. counseling, medical care, etc)
3. child is unwilling to return home or his/her respective community
4. child's family or community is still unsafe for the child to return to

Reintegration
Children must be informed of the basic services available and their rights.
For formal education, curriculum must include peace education and basic human rights
education (with specific focus on the rights and issues of children in armed conflict)
Trainings and livelihood opportunities must be based on the interest, skills and
knowledge of the child.
With regards educational support, children must be taught and trained to learn
nontraditionally-assigned vocation and skills and must take into account the childs lost
educational opportunities
Children must be provided with recreational activities and be able to enjoy "being a
child"


OPAPP Policy Unit
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Encourage and provide opportunities for children to meaningfully participate in the

planning and implementation of projects (from planning to monitoring and evaluation).
o Initiate dialogues with children in communities
o Children must always be willing to voluntarily participate in any process.
Children should be made to feel secure and comfortable enough to share during
counseling and therapy sessions. They must be always informed of their rights and
made to understand every step of the process of which they will be involved in.
Child former rebels must be recognized as children and not just regular FRs.
Children must be viewed as victims rather than as simply offenders. Should there be
children involved in cases and crimes, a local Social Worker must handle the case.
There must be a substantial distinction between Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
and Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC).
o Priority and special attention must be given to children in armed conflict who
have been victims of SGBV and had been infected with STDs and HIV. Free
counseling and therapies must be provided for them.
o Ensure RA 9851 and child-related laws are strictly enforced
o For "child witnesses," there must be a significant distinction between a chld who
is to be a witness in a trial vis-a-vis a child witness in filing complaints.
children's rights (i.e. CWC, NYC, etc)
(MVGs) , particularly children in armed conflict (i.e. CIAC)
As an alternative to financial / monetary support, provide educational scholarships and
technical / employment opportunities for older children.
and security sector actors must include sectoral human rights (i.e. Child's Rights)
There is a need to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms such as:
o GPH Monitoring, Reporting and Response System for Grave Child Rights
Violations (MRRS-GCRV)
o Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC)
o Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC)
o Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP)
o Women and Children Protection Unit (DOH)
o Witness Protection Program

OPAPP Policy Unit

24
THE ELDERLY


Guarantee sensitive handling and treatment
There must be priority and express lanes for the Elderly.
Assistance must be provided, as needed or requested by the client.

Ensure proper registration and profiling of elderly former rebels (FRs), should there be
any, with the use of proper tools and questionnaires.
o
Tools, forms, questionnaires and all other documentation tools must be made available
in "accessible formats" i.e. in large print of text and pictures, Braille and/or multiple
languages. They must also be made available in various media platforms such as print,
video, web/social media and audio.

Guarantee opportunities for the elderly to actively participate in the organization to be
established. There must be mechanisms in place that shall support the elderly's sharing
of wisdom, knowledge and skills.

Reinsertion
Must recognize and meet the special nutritional needs of the elderly, especially those
with special medical conditions.
Culturally-appropriate food must be made available for elderly IP and Muslims (and
others with religious or cultural sensitivities)
Decent, culturally- and age-appropriate clothing must also be provided
Ensure that the senior citizen is registered and provided with a free national Senior
Citizen Card (c/o local OSCA). LGUs should ensure the enrolment of senior citizen in their
respective municipalities, especially in securing Phil health / Health Insurance and
monthly social pension.
Elderly / Senior Citizens are entitled to free medical and dental services in government
establishments (subject to DOH, GSIS & SSS guidelines and standards). The following
services may be availed for free by the Elderly / Senior Citizen at a government
establishment:

OPAPP Policy Unit
25
Medical Services:
1. health exams
2. medical and surgical procedures
3. laboratory exams
Dental Services:
1. oral exams
2. curative services
Other Services:
1. out-patient consultations
2. available medicines in public health programs
3. available diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
4. use of operating rooms, special units and central supply items
5. accommodation in charity ward (There must be a Senior Citizen's ward
in every government hospital)
6. Counseling Services or advices given by health professionals
7. Professional Services (services rendered or extended by medical,
dental and nursing professionals)
Elderly and Senior Citizens must also have 20% discount on private medical and dental
services, all transportation, hotels, restaurants, purchase of medicines and professional
fees.
Extensive trauma processing and healing must be conducted before the senior citizen or
elderly is "reintegrated" back to either his/her family and/or community.
Mental and Psychological Health Screening must also be mandatorily provided and made
available / accessible for the Elderly, in order to assess the necessary care and treatment
they would need.
Provision of elder care, substitute family care services and/or temporary shelter/facility is
necessary especially if the senior citizen
o is abandoned, neglected, abused and unattached
o family cannot be traced
o still needs special care (i.e. counseling, medical care, etc.)
o is unwilling to return home or his/her respective community
o family or community is still unsafe for the senior citizen to return to

Reintegration
Ensure access to educational opportunities, may it be formal, informal and/or
vocational/technical, for Elderly / Senior Citizens who still have the capacity and desire
to learn. For formal education, curriculum must also include peace education and basic
OPAPP Policy Unit

26
human rights education (with specific focus on the rights and issues of the elderly /
senior citizens in armed conflict situations)
o Facilitate learning through "accessible formats" using various alternative modes
and means of communication (i.e. use of large print of text and photos), which
will maximize the educational and social development of Elderly.
Elderly / Senior Citizens who still have the capacity and desire to work must be provided
with information on, as well as opportunities for, employment (with training). Elderly
may be employed in jobs reflecting their expertise, hobbies and special skills, and may
be employed in fields of teaching, tutorial and consultancy services.
o DOLE, DOST-TLRC and DTI shall assess, design and implement training programs
that will provide livelihood and skills training support for the Elderly.
Recreational activities suited to the interests and skills of the Elderly must be provided
in facilities. Activities such as handicrafts, gardening, sports, spiritual services, outreach
and volunteer activities, peer support groups, may be some of the activities provided for
the Elderly and Senior Citizens in the communities.


Encourage and provide opportunities for the elderly to meaningfully participate in the
o Initiate dialogues with the elderly
the rights of the elderly (i.e. OSCA)
(MVGs) , particularly the elderly
and security sector actors must include sectoral human rights (i.e. Rights of the Elderly)
Reiterate Municipal Responsibility of LGUs to ensure the protection and promotion of
the welfare of Elderly and Senior Citizens in their respective municipalities.

OPAPP Policy Unit

27
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IPs)


Assistance must be provided, as needed and requested by the client.

Ensure proper registration and profiling of IP former rebels, with the use of proper tools
and questionnaires.
o
in the IPs own language or in a language understandable to the IP

Indigenous Peoples must have representation in the organization to be established.
Likewise, they must be provided with opportunities to participate meaningfully in all
processes involving them.

Reinsertion
Culturally-appropriate food must be made available, with consideration for those who
are pregnant and nursing mothers, infants and toddlers, elderly and those who have
special medical conditions.
Indigenous Person / Community must be informed of services available
The IP community should also be actively involved in developing and determining any
healing practices / methods affecting them (please refer to FPIC guidelines).
Appropriate, adequate, accessible and affordable health facilities and programs must be
made available to the IP/ICC.
Traditional and Cultural healing practices and methods, including the use of traditional
medicines, must be promoted and respected.
Reunification with the IP's respective communities and/or relocation back to their
respective ancestral domains

Reintegration
Activities must also promote IP life and culture.
OPAPP Policy Unit

28
Respect and Promotion of IP traditional / cultural methods of teaching and learning, as

well as traditional / cultural arts, literature and games


Encourage and provide opportunities for IPs to meaningfully participate in the planning
and implementation of projects (from planning to monitoring and evaluation).
o Initiate dialogues with indigenous peoples
Respect and Promotion of IP juridical systems, laws, traditions, customs and practices.
the rights of the Indigenous Peoples (i.e. NCIP)
(MVGs) , particularly the indigenous peoples
and security sector actors must include sectoral human rights (i.e. Rights of IPs)
Revitalize cultural norms and traditions (Celebration of IP life and cultural heritage)

OPAPP Policy Unit

29
PERSONS-WITH-DISABILITY(PWDs)


There must be priority and express lanes for persons-with-disability
Assistance must be provided, as needed and requested by the client.

Ensure proper registration and profiling of former rebels with disability, should there be
any, with the use of proper tools and questionnaires.
o
in "accessible formats" i.e. in large print of text and pictures, Braille and/or multiple
languages. They must also be made available in various media platforms such as print,
video, web/social media and audio.

Guarantee opportunities for PWDs to actively participate in the organization to be
established.

Reinsertion
Must recognize and meet the special nutritional needs of the PWDs, especially those with
special medical conditions.
Culturally-appropriate food must be made available for IP and Muslim PWDs
There should be medical personnel specializing in the treatment of persons with
disability on field.
Ensure that the PWD is registered and provided with a PWD ID card (c/o NCDA) to avail
benefits and privileges.
PWDs shall be allowed to avail free rehabilitation services in government hospitals
including but not limited to the immunization, nutrition and generic counseling and other
medical treatment
PWDs should also be provided assistance in the acquisition of prosthetic devices
and/other medical services.
PWDs must also have 20% discount on medical and dental services, , in all government
facilities, including the purchase of medicines, as subject to the guidelines of DOH in
coordination with PHILHEALTH
OPAPP Policy Unit
30
Extensive trauma processing and healing must be conducted before the PWD is
"reintegrated" back to either his/her family and/or community.
Mental and Psychological Health Screening must also be mandatorily provided and made
available / accessible for PWDs, in order to assess the necessary care and treatment they
would need.
Mechanisms that would help foster the development of a positive self-image among
persons-with-disability through counseling, orientation and strengthening daily living
capacity.
o Provision of substitute family care services and/or temporary shelter/facility is
necessary especially if the PWD
1. is abandoned, neglected, abused and unattached
2. family cannot be traced
3. still needs special care (i.e. counseling, medical care, etc)
4. is unwilling to return home or his/her respective community
5. family or community is still unsafe for the child to return to

Reintegration
PWDs must not be excluded from educational opportunities available and provided,
especially in formal or mainstream educational systems. They must be ensured of
support to facilitate their effective learning and education.
o For formal education, curriculum must also include peace education and basic
human rights education (with specific focus on the rights and issues of PWDs)
The active participation of PWDs in mainstream recreational, leisure and sports
activities must be promoted.


Encourage and provide opportunities for PWDs to meaningfully participate in the
o Initiate dialogues with PWDs
the rights of the PWDs (i.e. NCDA)
(MVGs) , particularly the persons-with-disability
and security sector actors must include sectoral human rights (i.e. Rights of PWDs)
OPAPP Policy Unit
31
REFERENCES
The Minimum Requirements to Ensure the Protection of Most Vulnerable Groups (MVGs) in Armed
Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations resulted from:

I.
A desk review of existing international and domestic laws, policies, guidelines, legal
mandates and frameworks, including some websites (in the absence of legal mandates)

International and domestic mandates and frameworks used:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Operational Guide to the Integrated

Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
Standards (IDDRS)
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
International Center for Transitional Justice
(www.ictj.org)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
UNIFEM: Getting it right, Doing it right. Gender
and DDR.
The Philippine National Action Plan on Women,
Peace and Security (NAP)
RA 9851 International Humanitarian Law
RA 9710 Magna Carta of Women (MCW)
RA 9262 Anti-VAWC
RA 8353 Anti-Rape
RA 8505 Rape Victims Assistance Act
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child on the Involvement of
Children in Armed Conflict
14. Cape Town Principles and Best Practices

15. Paris Principles
16. RA 7610 Anti-Child Abuse Act
17. RA 9262 Anti-VAWC
18. RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act
19. RA 9344 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act
20. RA 9994 Expanded SC Act of 2010
21. RA 7432 Contribution of SC to Nation Building
22. UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples
23. RA 8371 IPRA
24. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
25. Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and Optional Protocol
26. RA 7277 Magna Carta for Disabled Persons
27. RA 9442 An act amending Magna Carta for
Disabled Persons

II.
A series of consultations and meetings within OPAPP and relevant oversight agencies

Brownbag Session (with OPAPP units)
30 Aug 2013, 10f Conf Rm, OPAPP
9:00 - 12:00 pm
Meeting with the Philippine Commission on Women
(PCW)
23 July 2014, PCW Office
2:00 - 5:30 pm
Meeting with AFP Human Rights Office (AFP HRO) and
PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) & PNP Women
and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
28 July 2014, 10f Conf Rm, OPAPP
11:00 1:00 pm

Meeting with the Council for the Welfare of
Children (CWC)
24 June 2014, 10f Conf Rm, OPAPP
10:30 - 2:00 pm
Meeting with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) and National Council
for Disability Affairs (NCDA)
26 June 2014, 10f Conf Rm, OPAPP
10:00 - 12:00
OPAPP Policy Unit

32
OPAPP Policy Unit

33

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Protection of rights, promotion of

interests of the Most Vulnerable Groups

This guidebook attempts to enumerate the minimum requirements that must be

OPAPP Policy Unit

ARMED CONFLICT SITUATION

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO ENSURE THE PROTECTION OF

Interviews and Questioning

Examining Physicians and Medical Personnel

Immediate Basic Needs (food, water, clothing and shelter)

OPAPP Policy Unit

Conflict vs. Non-conflict Area

OPAPP Policy Unit

OPAPP Policy Unit

Education and Training

Livelihood and Employment

Physical and Mental Health and Therapy

Legal Services / Access to Justice (lawyers, courts, etc.)

Physical Security Guarantees (Witness Protection)

Social Protection Programs (SSS, Philhealth, etc)

Infrastructure(Roads, Electricity, Water Systems)

Hygienic spaces for breastfeeding mothers

OPAPP Policy Unit

Sensitive Handling and Treatment

Children-Appropriate Food Livelihood and Employment

OPAPP Policy Unit

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IPs)

Food (culture-sensitive and Livelihood and Employment

OPAPP Policy Unit

Physical Security Guarantees (Witness Protection)

Culturally-Sensitive Food Livelihood and Employment

Social Protection Programs (SSS, Philhealth, etc)

OPAPP Policy Unit

II. POST-CONFLICT SITUATION

DISARMAMENT / ARMS MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

Social Protection (re/acquiring Citizenship and Identification)

OPAPP Policy Unit

Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Women-friendly spaces must be provided for pregnant and/or nursing mothers

menstruating women; those HIV/STD-inflicted) - kindly refer to MISP guidelines

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (TJ)

Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Child-friendly spaces must be available at facilities ("Child-friendly" spaces may be similar to

OPAPP Policy Unit

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (TJ)

Encourage and provide opportunities for children to meaningfully participate in the

OPAPP Policy Unit

Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Disaggregate data based on sex, age, ethnicity and disability

OPAPP Policy Unit

OPAPP Policy Unit

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IPs)

Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Disaggregate data based on sex, age, ethnicity and disability

OPAPP Policy Unit

Respect and Promotion of IP traditional / cultural methods of teaching and learning, as

TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE (TJ)

OPAPP Policy Unit

Ensure the inventory of firearms turned over

Disaggregate data based on sex, age, ethnicity and disability

Operational Guide to the Integrated

14. Cape Town Principles and Best Practices

OPAPP Policy Unit

OPAPP Policy Unit