The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Philippine government’s readiness to engage with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). We continue to hold that international human rights mechanisms, such as the UPR and the Human Rights Council at large, are important spaces for civil and constructive dialogues as part of the community of nations sharing the goal of advancing the protection and promotion of human rights.

CHR recognises the efforts and strides reported by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in improving the human rights condition in the country, covering, among others, investigation of cases; decongestion of prisons; protection of migrant workers, women, and children; and refugees, stateless persons, and persons of concerns. We, however, note that, while it is imperative to address present human rights challenges, the UPR similarly brings into light the conditions in the last five years that continue to impact the way Filipinos enjoy their rights today.

We hope that the reported reforms in the criminal justice system, dubbed as “Real Justice in Real Time,” similarly address the recommendations of the CHR 2022 report on drug related killings from the previous administration. The said report has been formally communicated to the Presidential Human Rights Committee and the Department of Justice for their consideration.

It may also be recalled that that the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UN OHCHR) released a report in June 2020 on the human rights situation in the Philippines citing “persistent impunity” with some 8,000 alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the drug campaign, alongside other killings of human rights defenders, journalists, and trade unionists. Former Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced during the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in the same month that the government was already investigating the thousands of deaths  linked to the drug campaign towards seeking accountability from its perpetrators. After which, the UN Human Rights Council, instead of an investigation, offered to provide a technical cooperation and capacity-building initiative in the form of the UN Joint Program on Human Rights meant to improve six target areas, including: domestic investigative and accountability measures; data gathering on alleged police violations; the establishment of a national mechanism for reporting and follow-up; civic space and engagement with civil society and the CHR; counter-terrorism legislation; and human rights-based approaches to drug control.

With the Philippine government affirming the UN Joint Program on Human Rights in the recent UPR, we look forward to the fulfillment of the commitment to institute reforms not only prospectively, but also those from the past.

We note the present recommendations from UN Member States on strengthening accountability mechanisms for all human rights violations; protecting human rights defenders, activists, journalists, judges, and lawyers, including addressing harassments they experience, such as red tagging; protecting freedoms of expression and assembly, and the civic space; strengthening CHR and ensuring our independence; as well as calls to rejoin the International Criminal Court. These recommendations echo parts of our own independent report submitted to the UPR and were included in the Summary of Stakeholders’ Submission prepared by UN OHCHR.

With caution and optimism, CHR is encouraged with the statement of Secretary Remulla on behalf of the entire Philippine government that recommendations by other UN Member States during the 4th cycle of the UPR of the Philippines will be studied carefully to help advance the national human right agenda of the present administration.

We similarly note the commitment of the Philippine government to continue engaging with different stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the CHR, in addressing the said recommendations.

We continue to share the vision of the Philippine government in improving the human rights situation in the country and the lives of all Filipinos, especially the weak, vulnerable, and marginalised. CHR, as the country’s independent human rights institution, remains ready and willing to guide and assist the Philippine government so it may faithfully comply with its obligations under human rights treaties, as well as promises made before these human rights bodies. ###