UN Human Rights Council 44: Report on human rights situation in the Philippines
皇冠体育app UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Philippines.
Thank you, Madame President,
皇冠体育app United Kingdom thanks the High Commissioner for her report and her work over the past year.
皇冠体育app UK notes with concern the issues highlighted in the report, in particular, the number of killings associated with the 鈥榳ar on drugs鈥�, the treatment of human rights defenders and land rights activists, and the prison congestion rate. We urge the government of the Philippines to investigate all deaths related to the 鈥榳ar on drugs鈥� and implement the recommendations in the High Commissioner鈥檚 report.
皇冠体育app UK remains strongly committed to supporting human rights defenders, land rights activists, and journalists, including in the Philippines.鈥使谔逵齛ppy should be able to鈥痮perate without fear of reprisal.
High Commissioner,
皇冠体育app United Kingdom welcomes the steps taken by the Government of the Philippines to address impunity for killings of journalists in the Ampatuan Massacre case.
皇冠体育app UK is concerned about the continuing cases against Rappler, and its CEO Maria Ressa and notes the recent closure of ABS-CBN; what is your view on how to best protect freedom of expression in the Philippines?
Thank you.