Philippines Launches Fifth Phase of World Programme on Human Rights in Geneva
The Philippine delegation joins the discussion on “The Transformative Power of Human Rights Education in Achieving Gender Equality” held on 14 March 2025 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on the sidelines of the 58th Session of the Human Rights.
GENEVA 19 March 2025 — Philippine Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva Kristine Leilani R. Salle led the launch of the Fifth Phase (2025-2029) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education with a panel discussion on “The Transformative Power of Human Rights Education in Achieving Gender Equality” held on 14 March 2025, on the sidelines of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The event was also a commemoration of International Women’s Day on 08 March 2025.
“Human rights education is our first line of defense against injustices, inequities, and violence that negate what are inherently and inalienably ours—our rights, liberty, and dignity,” said Ambassador Salle in her opening remarks. Her remarks highlighted the necessity of integrating human rights education into both formal and informal educational systems to build a society that is just, equitable, and inclusive.
Ambassador Salle also noted that human rights education and gender equality are priority agenda for the Philippines domestically and its engagement in the multilateral area. “We are pursuing a gender-responsive basic education policy to promote non-discrimination and the empowerment of the girl-child. Our independent Commission on Human Rights has partnered with universities to establish Centers for Human Rights Education across the country…. We are equipping our next generation of leaders, policymakers, and professionals with the skills and tools to effectively integrate human rights into their work”, she added.
The Fifth Phase is designed for children and youth, focusing on the intersection between human rights and digital technologies, the environment and climate change, and gender equality.
The Plan of Action for the Fifth Phase was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council at its 57th Session in October 2025 through Resolution 57/10, which was tabled by the Philippines, Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Slovenia and Thailand.
Joining Ambassador Salle in the panel were Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Simran and Ida, students at the International School of Geneva, Ms. Dejana Dexi Stosic, human rights educator and activist from Serbia, Ms. Božena Forštnarič Boroje, Director-General, Directorate for Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Mr. Abdelghani Berdi, Head of Technology, Digital Space and Human Rights Division, National Human Rights Council (CNDH) of Morocco, and Ms. Mikiko Otani, member and former Chairperson of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. Ms. Elena Ippoliti, coordinator of the OHCHR’s Human Rights Education Unit, moderated the discussion.
The panel underscored the urgent need to address systemic barriers that continue to hinder the advancement of women and girls worldwide, highlighting best practices, challenges, and opportunities in integrating human rights education into various educational frameworks to advance gender equality.
The event was organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in collaboration with the Core Group on Human Rights Education and Training consisting of the Philippines, Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Slovenia, Thailand. END
The speakers and organizers pose for a photograph after the successful conclusion of the event.
For more information, visit https://www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinGeneva/ or https://www.instagram.com/phingeneva/.