UN envoy denounced for comment vs. PHL after Khmer Rouge verdict

The Philippines on Tuesday said it “strongly deplores” a United Nations envoy’s comment against the Philippines after lifetime jail sentences were handed down by a UN-backed court on two former leaders of the Khmer Rouge for human rights atrocities.

David Scheffer, UN Special Expert on UN Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials, said world leaders who violate human rights should “take note” of the decision of the court which dismissed an appeal against life imprisonment on Nuon Chea, 90, and Khieu Samphan, 85. 

The two were among those responsible for orchestrating the Cambodian genocide where around two million were killed during the brutal Khmer regime from 1975-1979.

Scheffer said the court sentence should serve as a warning to leaders from the Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Syria, North Korea as well as the Islamic State group. 

“Mr. Scheffer’s remarks are irresponsible and alarming since these are directed at the leadership of a democratic country with a functioning criminal justice system fully committed to respect human rights,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said, adding “his remarks are unjustified and without basis.”

The Filipino people, the DFA said, “continue to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.”

Since President Rodrigo Duterte came to office in June 30, more than 3,000 have reportedly died in his violent crackdown against illegal drugs, a policy criticized by the UN, the United States, and the European Union.

Angered by their expressions of concern and criticisms on his war on drugs, Duterte dared the UN, the US and the EU to investigate the killings and vowed to humiliate them. 

The DFA explained the government’s campaign against crime and corruption “is being waged precisely for the protection of its people and the continued enjoyment of their right to peace, security and fundamental freedoms.”

Scheffer, after the sentencing of Khmer Rouge leaders, said “holding senior leaders accountable for the perpetration of atrocity crimes under their leadership, does happen, it does ultimately occur.” 

"What happened today in this courtroom ultimately can reach their domain because international justice is not backing down," Scheffer had said. — VVP, GMA News