PH seeks unimpeded entry of aid to Gaza

THE Philippines has reiterated its call for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Justice Undersecretary Raul vasquez said serious challenges to the credibility of UN human rights mechanisms were evident in Gaza.

“We cannot allow the whole system to unravel. This is what stands between order — imperfect and precarious it may be — and pure anarchy. Let us reinvigorate our multilateral institutions that are firmly anchored on international law where justice and human rights reign,” said vasquez, as he delivered the Philippine national statement during the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on February 27 in Geneva.

The event, which started on February 26 and will end on April 5, is a meeting of UN member state representatives to discuss pressing global human rights issues.

vasquez also reported on the country’s accomplishments under the UN Joint Program, including the enhancement of drug rehabilitation and recovery programs, the establishment of the Philippine National Police’s online data gathering and assessment systems on human rights compliance, the establishment of a digital tracking system to monitor the implementation of treaty obligations, the revival of the Barangay Human Rights Action Center, and capacity-building for civil society organizations.

Besides vasquez, the other members of the Philippine delegation to the event were UN Ambassador Carlos Sorreta, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres, Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee, First Secretary Luningning Camoying Valdez of Geneva PM, and Department of Foreign Affairs Director Janice Sanchez-Rivera.