We, the Commission on Human Rights reiterate our previous calls for the Government to allow thorough, transparent, and independent investigations of all alleged violations of human rights in the country and in particular to fully cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights, Victims’ Groups, and other local and international stakeholders by demonstrating to the world that our local mechanisms are genuinely working and are sufficient to address demands for justice and the rule of law to prevail.

Rather than maintaining acrimony and the hurling of threats of possible consequences, to show that it has nothing to hide and is willing to adhere to the global standards expected of a member of the UN Human Rights Council – the Philippine Government must open spaces for dialogue with other nations that have expressed their concerns about the human rights situation in the country to show resolve that we can most certainly improve. It must show both the international community and our own people that it is willing and able to hold perpetrators to account, to protect all human rights defenders, to stop the killings, and to end impunity. As an independent institution mandated by the Constitution to monitor State Compliance with All Human Rights Norms and Standards, the CHR as a constructive partner is ready to assist as best it can in the pursuit of this endeavour. ###