PH Envoy: “End Weaponization, Politically Motivated Use of Human Rights,” Calls for Multilateral Cooperation, Genuine Dialogue at the UN

Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Enrique A. Manalo addresses the Third Committee of the General Assembly during its General Discussion. (New York PM photo)

NEW YORK 15 October 2020 – “We seek to ensure a safe and secure environment where human rights and fundamental freedoms are enjoyed by every Filipino, free from crime and the evil of illegal drugs” said Philipine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, as he addressed the Third Committee of the General Assembly in its opening session on 05 October 2020.

Ambassador Manalo highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to promote, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all persons. The Ambassador called for an end to the weaponization and politically motivated use of human rights, while underscoring the importance of constructive multilateral cooperation and genuine dialogue towards the effective promotion and protection of human rights of all.

Stressing the  impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable persons, Ambassador Manalo said that “COVID-19 presents us with a human crisis of unprecedented scale. It has disproportionately impacted women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples and other vulnerable populations”. He then proceeded to outlining the laws and policies as well as initiatives and activities undertaken by the Philippines to protect the most vulnerable populations, including the First 1,000 days law, the Children in Situation of Armed Conflict law, the migrant repatriation program for overseas Filipinos, and the conditional cash transfer program (4Ps). 

Ambassador Manalo also spoke about the leadership role of the Philippines at the UN on the issues of gender equality and the promotion and mainstreaming of the rights, needs, and well-being of older persons and persons with disabilities. He sought the support of delegations to the Philippine-led resolutions on Violence against women migrant workers, Trafficking of women and girls, and Inclusive Development for and with Persons with Disabilities, which have consistently been adopted without a vote at the Third Committee. 

The Third Committee began its work on 5 October 2020.  It is mandated to discuss social, humanitarian and human rights issues. 

The text of Ambassador Manalo’s statement can be found here, and the video of his delivery can be viewed here. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.