PHL election to UNHRC pressures gov't to address rights violations

The election of the Philippines to the UN Human Rights Council puts pressure on the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to address allegations of numerous rights violations, the Commission on Human Rights said Saturday.

In a statement, spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the CHR welcomed the country's winning a seat in the UNHRC.

But she pointed out, "Earning a seat in the said council puts pressure on the Philippine government to address allegations of human rights violations, starting with the growing cases of extrajudicial killings purportedly linked to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs." 

She also stressed that the country's credibility in the UN body would be defined by the present administration's ability to address rights violations issues. 

"The Philippines’ credibility to be part of this body rests on its ability to effect actions that will concretely address these allegations, in line with its mandate of promoting, protecting, and fulfilling the human rights of all and not just of a select few," De Guia added.

Likewise, she said that the CHR will continue to perform its mandate of helping UN monitor the human rights situation on the ground as the country’s independent national human rights institution.

Sad irony

Activist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that the PHL's winning a seat at the UNHRC is a sad irony. 

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said, "[It is]sad irony given the human rights record of the Duterte administration. The Philippines has gained notoriety for the brutal conduct of its war on drugs."

"Administration critics have been persecuted and slapped with trumped-up charges. Human rights violations also mark the Philippine government's counter-insurgency drive as communities are militarized," he added.

The Philippines, Bahrain, Cameroon, Somalia, Bangladesh, and Eritrea, were among the countries elected to the UNHRC last Friday, drawing criticisms from some international human rights leaders, calling the development "ridiculous" and a "mockery" of the UN body's election exercise. —LBG/KG, GMA News