UN rights chief airs concerns over Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations rights chief has outlined concerns on the Philippines, including expectation of rapid progress in prosecuting human rights violators.

Presenting his annual global report to the Human Rights Council on Tuesday, UN High Commissioner for human rights Volker Turk stated the concerns in the Philippines and 39 other countries.

He said the current human rights landscape is compounded by conflict, discrimination, poverty, shrinking civic spaces and the emergence of new human rights challenges such as the rise of artificial intelligence and surveillance.

Tackling current complex challenges requires fresh thinking and bolder political leadership to address abuses and find solutions.

In the Philippines, Türk stated that police forces need to serve and protect everyone in society.

“In the Philippines, where killings in drug-related police operations still occur, my office is working with security actors to strengthen accountability and promote human rights in drug enforcement,” Türk said.

“The Philippine government has announced steps to vet senior police officers for corruption, and I hope there will be rapid progress in prosecuting human rights violators,” he added.

The UN Human Rights Council session focused on a number of situations that are of particular concern and statements in relation to country situations throughout this session were delivered.

“While I welcome recent acquittals of human rights defenders, there must be an end to other politically motivated charges and a safer environment for civil society,” Türk noted.

Last year, the Philippines held dialogues with human rights committees and participated in an enhanced interactive dialogue with the Council. The Philippines had accepted 215 out of the 289 recommendations received at the Universal Periodic Review, giving assurance that “extrajudicial killings had never been, and would never be, a state policy.”

The Philippine government rejected the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s decision to resume investigations over alleged crimes committed during the anti-illegal drug campaign.

During a visit in Manila last month, members of the European Parliament said that allowing the ICC to investigate the Philippines’ drug war is the “perfect way” to cooperate and demonstrate human rights commitment.