A United Nations (UN) expert says that the Philippine administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to address violations of human rights in the nation, including addressing the assassinations of journalists and rights activists.
Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of thought and expression, stressed the need for further comprehensive changes to guarantee accountability and address long-standing human rights violations, despite encouraging signs. Her 10-day tour to the Philippines came to an end today, as per ABC News.
UN Expert Urges Reforms in the Philippines
Irene Khan, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, gestures during a press conference in Manila on February 2, 2024.
Khan reviewed the state of human rights by meeting with authorities, activists, and a journalist who was in custody during her visit. She recognized that the new administration's approach, peace negotiations with rebels, and increased outreach to the international community were all promising signs. She did, however, caution that in order to solve persistent issues, significant and long-lasting changes were required.
Khan raised concerns about the continued branding of individuals critical of state policies, including human rights defenders, journalists, students, and trade unionists, as supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA). This labeling has led to increased human rights risks, with cases of threats, unlawful surveillance, attacks, and even killings.
The UN expert encouraged authorities to hold officials responsible for any violations and demanded that "red-tagging" methods be denounced. Khan addressed the value of inclusive peacebuilding platforms and argued for the dissolution of the counterterrorism task force (NTF-ELCAC). She added that the Philippines continues to rank among the most dangerous countries for journalists, with unresolved cases and postponed judicial processes impeding the administration of justice, according to National Rebute.
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UN Expert Calls for Human Rights
Khan expressed worries about the legal framework that restricts freedom of speech and attacked the Anti-Terrorism Act 2020 for its too wide and ambiguous definition of terrorism as well as other laws' punishment of libel. She asked the House of Representatives to pass the Human Rights Defenders bill, which is now being debated.
Khan also spoke on behalf of the pre-trial inmates, requesting that the appropriate authorities expedite trials while providing complete due process. Although she recognized positive signs from the Marcos government, she underlined that in order to solve the Philippines' pervasive human rights issues, long-term reforms and a resolute commitment to accountability are required.
The visit of the UN expert came at the same time as demands were made for justice over abuses of human rights committed during Rodrigo Duterte's previous administration, which human rights organizations called a "human rights calamity."
As potential crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court is looking at murders that occurred during Duterte's anti-drug campaign. Khan stressed that additional modifications and a dedication to accountability are essential to resolutely addressing historical concerns and advancing human rights in the Philippines, even in the face of encouraging signs from the present government, Associated Press reported.
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