Engaging youth in awareness for children's rights

On November 25 and 26, Laurence Ligier, Founder-Director of CAMELEON, and the "Cirquera de CAMELEON" troupe were honored to be invited to the "French Film Festival", organized by Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, in partnership with SM Supermalls as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

On November 25, a private screening of the documentary "Un silence si bruyant", took place with the exceptional participation of French actress Emmanuelle Béart, co-director, followed by a round table and press conference bringing together stakeholders committed to child protection: Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator committed to Women's Rights and Children's Rights; REX Gatchalian's Secretary of State; Minister of Social Affairs (DSWD); Hannah Morillo, Director of MLAC Institute and psychologist at CAMELEON; Emmanuelle Béart and Laurence Ligier, our Foundress.

Our "Cirquera de CAMELEON" were able to perform their circus show in front of an admiring audience.

On November 26, a charity dinner to benefit CAMELEON was held, where 120 guests were able to discover our actions through a speech by Laurence Ligier and another circus and theater performance by our "Cirquera de CAMELEON". The evening was a reminder of the importance of supporting the cause of protecting women and girls against violence.

CAMELEON is thankful for the support, trust, and confidence  in our mission to fight against all forms of abuse and violence towards women and children.

Links:

• Emmanuelle Beart & Cameleon Philippines: Mission possible

CAMELEON and its partners organized 2 events named “Break the Silence” last August and September, in the Philippines, respectively in Panay and Negros islands where we are located.

Break the Silence is an annual event with the goal of raising awareness to overturn the culture of silence and taboo surrounding the issue of child rape. It also aims to eliminate the stigma, prejudice and discrimination against survivors of child sexual abuse.

Our beneficiaries, young girl victims of sexual abuse, introduced the events with dance shows. After the introduction, several speakers shared their expertise, among whom police officers and clinical psychologists.

The aim of these events was to highlight information on the rights of women and children, the roles of concerned agencies in handling victims of sexual abuse, and the participation of the different sectors in addressing these cases. 

Break the Silence is a celebration of the Passing of RA 11648* and Sharing of CAMELEON partners communities best practices.

*Focus on the Republic Act 11648

With the help of its partners, notably the Child Rights Network, CAMELEON Philippines has been actively involved in advocating with national institutions to raise the age limit for sexual non-consent to 16, which until now had been set at 12. On December 1, 2020, the House of Representatives approved the bill to raise this threshold to 16. On March 7, 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11648. This law provides better protection for child victims of sexual violence, notably by guaranteeing less burdensome and less psychologically distressing criminal proceedings. Up to the age of 16, victims will no longer need to prove that they did not consent, which is a step forward for our young girl beneficiaries, more than half of whom are 16 or under (56%).

Links:

• Video of the event (CAMELEON's Facebook page)
• Republic Act 11648 (text)