PH Advancements in Civil and Political Rights Reported at UN Human Rights Committee Dialogue
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla (middle)delivers his opening statement at the Constructive Dialogue with the UN Human Rights Committee on the Philippines’ 5th Periodic Report on compliance with the International Covenant in the Civil and Political Rights on 10 October 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. DOJ Undersecretary Jesse H. T. Andres (2nd from right) and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva H.E. Evan P. Garcia (rightmost) join Justice Secretary Remulla.
GENEVA, 11 October 2022 – The significant steps made by the Philippines in the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights were cited at the Constructive Dialogue with the United Nations Human Rights Committee on 10 to 11 October in Geneva, Switzerland.
Noting the recent leadership transition in the country, Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin C. Remulla stated that the Philippine Government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos is undertaking flagship reforms aimed at transforming the country’s legal culture and justice system.
These reforms include decongesting detention facilities, streamlining investigative processes, strengthening accountability mechanisms including through the United Nations Joint Program on human rights, and refocusing the anti-illegal drugs campaign to rehabilitation, prevention and assistance to victims and families.
“We are now reforming our correction system and have budgeted around PHP 4 billion to relocate the maximum-security prison to a far out island called Mindoro,” Secretary Remulla stated.
The Secretary also emphasized that the Philippines’ anti-illegal drugs policy adheres to the international standards of human rights and is informed by guidelines on drug prevention and control by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Narcotics Control Board. He shared that the Philippines is strengthening its Justice Department’switness protection program to encourage civil society organizations, witnesses, and families of victims to come forward and file appropriate cases.
Secretary Remulla highlighted the launch of an aggressive campaign against trafficking in persons resulting in 103 convictions in 2021 as well as the enactment of landmark legislations for the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children, women, and migrant workers such as the Expanded Ant-trafficking in Persons Act, Anti-online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Act, and Department of Migrant Workers Act.
“We have begun our work, and we will be faithful to complete it. We will build on what we have and undertake real reforms which are beneficial and necessary for our society to flourish,” Secretary Remulla stressed.
The Philippines ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on 23 October 1986. This is the country’s 5th Periodic Report to the Committee pursuant to Article 40(1) of the Covenant. Aside from the Philippines, other States Parties namely Ethiopia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, and the Russian Federation will also report to the Committee during its 136th session on 10 October to 4 November 2022. The Human Rights Committee is composed of 18 experts from different regions. END
The Philippine delegation to the Constructive Dialogue with the UN Human Rights Committee on the country’s 5th Periodic Report on its compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Geneva, Switzerland.