The United Nations Human Rights Council was urged to conduct its own investigation into human rights violations in the Philippines in order to prevent further violations within the country.
The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) asked the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to conduct its own probe of human rights abuses in the Philippines after the international community urged the country to address its human rights situation.
“This evaluation is crucial because it provides an opportunity for the international community to draw attention to, ensure accountability and prevent further human rights violations in the Philippines,” Business World quoted Josalee S. Deinla, NUPL secretary general.
More than 30 UNHRC members urged the Philippine government on Monday to address extrajudicial killings and human rights violations associated with former President Duterte's anti-illegal drug campaign.
During a UN periodic review in Geneva, representatives from various countries questioned the Philippines' withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which had begun its own investigation into the drug war.
Deinla said that she was set to meet with UN officials to update them about issues in the country.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told the UN council that the government would “dispel the mistaken notion that there is a culture of impunity in our country.”
Remulla added that at least 25 cops had been charged with murder in connection with the drug war and there would be more erring police officers to be punished.
“The Philippine government, through Justice Secretary Remulla, reported their so-called accomplishments, which either distort the truth or do not reflect realities on the ground.” Deinla said.
UN review
The United States (US) urged the Philippines to hold those accountable for human rights violations committed during the drug war It also emphasized that government officials should refrain from labeling people as communists.
France also said that the Marcos administration should act on extralegal killings while Canada sought the prosecution of perpetrators to give victims justice.
Ireland expressed concern about allegations of murders and enforced disappearances, while Belgium urged the government to take action in response to the killings of Filipino journalists.
Deinla added that human rights defenders, lawyers, and journalists were still being threatened under the Marcos regime.
In response, the presidential palace said that the state is committed to improving peace and order by eliminating illegal drugs.
The government is working with religious groups to persuade drug suspects to surrender, Acting Press Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said, citing PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) added that drug war killings were still common, and police were given impunity for human rights violations under the Marcos administration.
The UN Rights Committee also said that the Philippines should comply with the international rights mechanisms and cooperate with the ICC’s drug war probe.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevara mentioned that the Philippines would block an ICC drug war investigation and ensure that suspects are tried in local courts.
Based on the data released by the Philippine government in June 2021, at least 6,117 suspected drug dealers had been killed in police operations. Human rights groups speculated that as many as 30,000 suspects died.
Tags: #UN, #HumanRights, #Violations, #Probe