UNHCR resolution crucial step toward accountability in PHL drug war — HRW

The resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) seeking probe into the slays in the Duterte administration's war against illegal drugs is a crucial step in holding the Philippine government accountable for the killings, according to the Human Rights Watch (HRW). 

"The Human Rights Council resolution on the Philippines is a modest but vital measure,” Laila Matar, deputy Geneva director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.

“It signals the start of accountability for thousands of drug war-related killings and other abuses and will provide hope to countless survivors and families of victims," Matar added.

On Thursday, the UNHRC passed a resolution which seeks to investigate the killings amid President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war against illegal drugs. The Iceland-led resolution was backed by 17 other countries.

For Malacañang, the resolution was designed to embarrass the Philippines. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo even claimed that the resolution was "offensive" and "insulting" to the majority of Filipinos who support Duterte's "unique" leadership style.

Matar said the challenge is to ensure that the investigation procedure move quickly in order to compel the Philippine government to "stop the killings and prosecute those responsible.”

The Chief Executive has vowed to study whether to allow UN personnel to the Philippines to investigate the deaths linked to his campaign against illegal drugs.

Duterte said he would review the intent of the proposed investigation. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News