h Addressing Inequality During the Pandemic The Right to Education discussion highlights the continuing problems that beset the Philippine education sector as the result of the strict lockdowns imposed on the section of the Philippine population that they primarily cater to. The Philippines remains as one of the handful of countries that have yet to reopen face to face classes for non-medicine related courses owing to the slow vaccination roll out. The absence of face to face classes have put tremendous pressure on education stakeholders to cope with the digital divide that has characterised the current education situation in the Philippines. The Report also provides for a lengthy discussion of thematic concerns that the CHR had taken cognizance of. These include rights issues that affect a) Women; b) Children; c) Migrant Workers; d) Indigenous Peoples; e) Internally Displaced Persons; f ) Persons with Disabilities; g) Persons Deprived of Liberty; h) LGBTQIA+; i) Older Persons; j) Human Rights Defenders. Incidence of violence against women and children have been documented by both the CHR and State authorities. Particularly gruesome are physical violations raging from killings and cases of sexual violations that have been reflected in many media reports in the country. Migrant workers continue to be affected by the pandemic. The government has continued its repatriation program for distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Problems of deployment were also noted as a result of vaccine discrimination on the use of unapproved vaccines. As a result, the Philippine government has reallocated the limited supply of Pfizer, Moderna, and Astrazeneca to be given to OFWs so that they will not further lose economic opportunities due to entry restrictions imposed by receiving States. Indigenous Peoples (IPs) have been saddled by both CPR and ESCR concerns throughout 2021. A tug of war involving youth IPs, State authorities, and IP communities has been documented. Access to education, water, health and protection of ancestral lands remain enduring concerns for IP communities in the Philippines during this pandemic. There have also been documented cases of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Natural calamities have forced the evacuation of people from hazard zones in the country. Armed conflicts also account for the displacement of hundreds of individuals, particularly in Mindanao. Persons with disabilities have also been adversely and disproportionately affected by the ongoing pandemic. Limitations in their movement have worsened due to limited access to public transportation. There is a lack of consultation regarding their need for assistance in terms of mobility and limited sensory function. The COVID-19 pandemic is also deepening pre-existing inequalities which amplifies the impacts of the pandemic. Gender-based violence is increasing exponentially as the economic and social stress, combined with restricted movement and social isolation measures, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic intensifies. Persons with disabilities also continue to suffer from discrimination, ridicule, harassment, sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of violence. They also continue to struggle with greater inequalities in employment, education, and access to healthcare. Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) continue to experience below standard facilities due to over-congestion of jails. Provisions for technology aided visits have been made available to ensure continued access for PDLs to their respective families. Vaccination against COVID-19 has also been slow paced but the government is anticipated to ramp up vaccination for this sector towards the end of the year. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to decongest jails. The Supreme Court order to transfer PDLs to different jail facilities was suspended to prevent the spread of the virus. There was also speedy disposition of drug cases because of plea deals. PDLs who showed good conduct were released earlier.