THE Philippines continues to strengthen its domestic accountability mechanisms as part of its commitment to protection of human rights.
“Peace, justice and human rights are interrelated pursuits. An integral part to the Philippine commitment to human rights is the continuous strengthening of its domestic accountability mechanisms,” Justice Secfreatry Menardo I. Guevarra said in his key message during the High-Level Segment (HLS) of the 46th Human Rights Council session (HRC46) in Geneva, Switzerland.
In his statement, Guevarra shared that the Review Panel on cases of anti-illegal drug operations where deaths occurred has commenced its initial work and has identified cases where “law enforcement agents involved failed to follow standard protocols pertaining to coordination with other agencies and processing of the crime scene.”
He also underscored the Philippines’ constructive approach to human rights, including through the adoption of HRC45/33 resolution on technical cooperation and the UN Joint Program on Human Rights being pursued with the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC).
Guevarra cited the Philippine Government’s engagement with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the Administrative Order 35 mechanism and the establishment of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
In closing, the Secretary emphasized that the Philippines’ legal system and domestic accountability mechanisms “are functioning as they should.”
The High-Level Segment is held during the first HRC session of each year and during which leaders and minister-level officials address the Council on national efforts to promote and protect human rights.
