Group hits gov’t ahead of UN monitor’s visit
THE PHILIPPINES has yet to act on the recommendations made by the United Nations (UN) to address human rights issues in the country, a watchdog said on Sunday ahead of the scheduled visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion Irene Z. Khan.
“The Philippine government has disregarded, shrugged off, and rejected past recommendations done by UN special rapporteurs who have visited the country,” said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of human rights network Karapatan, which was among the dozens of domestic groups that submitted reports to Ms. Khan to show the alleged “bleak and sorry state of press freedom and the right to express in the Philippines.”
On Saturday, a press task force under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s office said Ms. Khan’s visit is a “welcome opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to openness, transparency, and its vibrant media community highlighted by everyone’s right to freely express their opinion.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) is set to host a welcome dinner for her that will be attended by heads and representatives of various government agencies and the media.
“The welcome dinner would serve as a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas, reinforcing the Philippines’ dedication to maintaining a dynamic and open environment for media and expression,” it said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said earlier that the purpose of Ms. Khan’s visit in Manila from Jan. 23 to Feb. 3 is to observe the right to freedom of expression in the country and that the Philippine government is displaying its “sincere cooperation” with such international partners as she represents.
But Karapatan is unimpressed with the government’s claim, citing extrajudicial killings that allegedly continue under the government’s anti-narcotics campaign and counterinsurgency program.
“Stop the fakery and cut the show,” Ms. Palabay said. “Integrity in cooperation with international human rights mechanisms means heeding recommendations of these international experts and bodies, consistent with a State’s obligations under human rights treaties, conventions and declarations.”