liberties. Indeed, quotes around the world about human rights stretch out over time and space in history from when and where the words were spoken to inspire civilizations. Though they are diverse and many, the semblance and similarity, the common thread, the nobler matter to consider, include the collective view that human rights are an outcome of sheer hard work demanding the relentless focus and commitment of those who desire to achieve it for humankind, for the long term, or permanently, if at all possible. In this current report, we see the year 2021 as a turning point towards 2022-an intriguing yet vibrant transition not only for the prospects of human rights but also for a much hoped for improved and thus better national life under a renewed Constitutional democracy. We look forward to the 2022 national elections wherein, with any luck, the Filipinos could get another chance at electing a government that defends rule of law, toughens up the will for transparency and accountability, and pushes hard on economic, political and social reforms to shore up the foundations for the promotion and protection of human rights. We fix our eyes on this potential as we emerge from a period of human rights constraints and crises as reflected in our worldwide ranking in the Global Human Rights and Rule of Law Index, where we joined yet again since 2017 the top 40 countries with the highest index points at 7.8-9.8 being the uppermost, and hence showing that we continued to feed on unsound democracy during the period. “The human rights and rule of law indicator considers the relationship between the state and its and its population insofar as fundamental human rights are protected and freedoms are observed and respected: the higher the indicator's value, the less protected are the human rights and the rule of law in a particular country.” As we wrap up 2021, we look back to the last 5 years and reflect on the administrative policy agenda on human rights, or the lack of it, and how this has impacted the country’s quality and way of life in terms of legitimacy, justice, freedom and equal power. At the same time, we envisage a fresh mandate for a national leadership committed to rekindling the preeminence of governance that is well-rooted in recognition and respect for human rights. Hence, human rights-based governance is being given the first mention, the foremost attention here. In the light of this aspiration, we share this annual report of the CHR’s major accomplishments for 2021 as our reference and guide for a new road map with the Philippine government and its agencies, the general local public, the international partners and all the relevant stakeholders. By presenting this document, it is our intention to enable the pertinent government agencies as well as the actors and interveners in the country’s human rights community to come together and join the CHR in strengthening and coordinating collective and inclusive responses to uphold and promote the cause for human rights as we repel at the same time the imminent threats of repression and violations. Towards this end, we in the Commission vow to sustain and realize all commitments articulated in our Strategic Action Plans covering 20152022 specifically our vision, mission and goal statements, our strategic options and directions, and our implementing mechanisms consisting of the core programs for protection, prevention, promotion and policy advisory services. As the duly mandated National Human Rights Institution of the Philippines and as fellow human rights defenders, we continue to live by our maxim: “Dignity of all”. 3