Philippines Calls for Renewed Trust in Multilateralism to Protect Human Rights and Freedoms at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council
Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Charles C. Jose delivers the Philippine Statement at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva
GENEVA 04 March 2025 – The Philippines urged states to rebuild trust in multilateralism, emphasizing that constructive dialogue and cooperation remain the most effective avenues for protecting the rights and freedoms of all human beings on 26 February 2025.
Speaking at the High-Level Segment of the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC58), Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Charles Jose underscored the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law, against the backdrop of global humanitarian crises in Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan and Myanmar.
“We are a partner for rights-based development, a champion for equitable and just outcomes, and an advocate for inclusive and enduring solutions,” Undersecretary Jose stated, highlighting the advancement of a human rights agenda rooted in cooperation.
Underlining the country’s leadership in human rights advocacies, he outlined Philippine leadership roles and initiatives in the multilateral arena, including advancing climate justice, a human rights-based approach to disaster response, gender equality and women’s role in peace and security, migrants’ and seafarers’ rights, and open and transparent governance.
Building on this progress, he also announced that the Philippines will organize an international conference on seafarers’ rights, safety and well-being later this year, in line with the Philippine-led resolution on “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Seafarers” adopted by the HRC in July 2024.
The HRC58, which runs from 24 February to 04 April 2025, has convened over 100 high-level officials to assess global human rights progress and develop coordinated responses to emerging humanitarian challenges.
As part of its engagements in the Council, the Philippines hosted a side event on “The 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan: A Call to Action, A Blueprint for Country-led Partnerships” on 25 February 2025. The event showcased the 4th Philippine Human Rights Plan (PHRP4) as a model for national ownership and an inclusive approach to human rights, ensuring that all Filipinos benefit from strengthened protections and policies.
On the sidelines of HRC58, Undersecretary Jose held bilateral meetings with Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal; Nizaheta Kurpejovic-Cikotic, Director General for Multilateral Affairs of Montenegro; Thomas Gürber, Deputy State Secretary and Head of UN Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland; Hala Al-Tuwaijri, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia; Nikola Stojanovik, State Secretary of Serbia; and Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka.
These engagements cement the Philippines’ role as a dependable partner in the UN system.
“Here in the Council as in the UN system, the Philippines stands tall alongside the pathfinders and bridge-builders among nations. This has been the ethos of our diplomacy as a founding member of the UN and as an early advocate of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Undersecretary Jose affirmed.
The Human Rights Council is the UN’s primary intergovernmental body mandated to promote and protect human rights worldwide. The Philippines last served in the Human Rights Council in 2021 and is seeking election for the period 2028-2030. END