DFA Virtual Diplomatic Briefing Highlights Progress of PH-UN Joint Program On Human Rights

Clockwise from top left: Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) Undersecretary Severo Catura, UN Senior Human Rights Adviser Signe Poulsen, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Evan P. Garcia, and Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Adrian Ferdinand Sugay served as the speakers at the virtual diplomatic briefing on the Philippines-UN Joint Program on Human Rights on 18 February 2021. (Screenshot from the webinar).

MANILA 22 February 2021 – The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations (DFA-UNIO) conducted a virtual diplomatic briefing, attended by over 130 participants from more than 40 embassies in Manila and diplomatic missions in Geneva and the European Union (EU), on 18 February 2021. The briefing highlighted the progress of the Philippines-United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights.

Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Evan P. Garcia emphasized that the Joint Program was “a new model for international cooperation on human rights” and mentioned President Duterte’s recognition of the value of open dialogue and constructive engagement on human rights based on his statement at the UN General Assembly. Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), on the other hand, underscored the sincerity of the Philippines to resolutely addressing the crucial human rights issues and challenges faced by the country by strengthening national mechanisms and institutions such as the creation of a human rights database.

The DFA regularly organizes diplomatic briefings as part of the Philippines’ openness and transparency in sharing with the international community updates on human rights-related issues in the country. END

The virtual briefing was attended by over 130 participants from more than 40 embassies in Manila and diplomatic missions in Geneva. During the open forum, a number of Ambassadors and delegates took the floor to express interest in and support for the Joint Program. Other questions and topics raised were on engagement with civil society groups and civic space, challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and on how activities contributed to increasing accountability.