The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasizing its commitment to safeguard human rights and combat extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and other grave human rights violations.

The U.S. Department of State’s recognition of the significance of EJKs as a major concern highlights the need for prompt and decisive action. In response, it is encouraging that the DOJ promised to implement reforms that will alter the attitudes and behavior of law enforcement personnel.

CHR also notes the DOJ’s assurance that it is doing all the crucial steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations. Ensuring adherence to the rule of law and advancing human rights are foundational principles that should underpin every facet of governance.

We are hopeful that these pronouncements will translate to concrete results, including increase in the number of resolved cases of human rights violations. We also look forward to more progress and actions that prioritize the protection of human rights of all, especially the disadvantaged sectors.

The CHR remains steadfast in its mandate to monitor, investigate, and advocate for the protection of human rights. We stand ready to collaborate with the DOJ and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that human rights are upheld, and justice is served for all. ###