Investigating Human Rights Violations Against Women and Persons with Diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expressions on Investigation and Case Management Process already provide for the proper handling of women’s cases, this Protocol builds on previous guidelines and incorporates standards adopted by the judiciary and those prevailing under international women’s human rights. As an improvement to the previous guidelines, this protocol sets out specific guidelines applicable to women with disability to ensure reasonable accommodation and accessibility, indigenous women on the need for cultural sensitivity and women migrant workers in recognition of the challenges in access to justice for migrant workers. As much as practicable, the protocols are divided into general guidelines, preinterview, interview, and post interview stages. Protocol 2: Handling Cases/Complaints of Girl Children Building on previous guidelines set forth under the CHR’s Guidelines and Procedure and the CHR Manual for Investigation, this protocol consolidates and incorporates international standards as well as standards adopted by the judiciary in the handling of children’s cases. The guidelines are likewise divided into general guidelines, pre-interview, interview, and post interview stages. Protocol 3: Handling Cases and complaints of Persons with Diverse SOGIE The CHR Guidelines and Procedure and the CHR Manual on Investigation do not provide for guidelines in the handling of cases/complaints of persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE). Recognizing that effective remedy necessarily entails sensitivity in the handling of cases and keen awareness of possibilities of stigmatization and re-victimization, the Commission sets out this Protocol to guide CHR investigators, lawyers, information officers, and the general public in handling cases involving persons with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Areas of Responsibility53 In cases investigated by the Commission as 53 Refer to CHR Manual on Investigation and Case Management, pages 19-22. 25 Gender and Development Ombud, the rule in the determination of Areas of Responsibility as provided in the GAP and the Manual for Investigation shall be observed. Generally, complaints or reports of human rights violations shall be filed with the CHR Regional Office which has responsibility over the area where the alleged violations were committed or threats exist.54 However, the rule may allow exceptions in cases where geographical accessibility is at issue, such as, the proximity of the place of incident to the regional office. Other exceptions to the regional areas of responsibilities as herein set forth are the safety of the surviving victims, complainants, witnesses, or where the capability of the regional office to decide the case without bias is raised. The regional office which takes cognizance of the case shall immediately notify the other regional office within whose area of responsibility the case originally falls. The notification, by means of a memorandum, shall set forth the circumstances which warranted its acceptance of the case, citing any of the above mentioned exceptions. Role of the CHR Investigators The role of the investigators in the protection and promotion of human rights is crucial. Investigators are the front-liners tasked to promptly respond to complaints or reports of human rights violations, including gender-based violence, abuses, exploitation and discrimination of women, and of persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. As such, it is incumbent upon them to pursue a thorough, impartial and competent investigation; make accurate documentation, and prepare and submit clear and comprehensive reports. They also appear and testify in court and other competent fora in relation to the cases they investigated. In addition, they facilitate the protection and safety of surviving victims and their families and vital witnesses. They also need to make timely reports and recommendations to the Commission, and coordinate with appropriate offices and institutions or organizations for the provision of 54 Refer to Appendix “A” – Areas of Responsibility of CHR Regional Offices. Areas covered by the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao fall under the Regional Human Rights Commission (RHCRC) of the ARMM CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines