The recent visit of Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, to Manila presents a significant opportunity for the Marcos administration to showcase its unwavering commitment to the protection of Filipinos’ rights, particularly those of journalists. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has expressed its support for Khan’s visit, emphasizing that it provides a platform to highlight the Philippines’ dedication to openness, transparency, and a thriving media landscape where everyone is empowered to freely express their opinions.
According to a statement released by the PTFoMS following Khan’s arrival on January 22, her 10-day stay in Manila offers the government an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s commitment to the right to freedom of opinion and expression on the global stage. The visit is not connected to the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on alleged human rights abuses against citizens, clarified PTFoMS executive director Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez in a recent televised interview. He emphasized that Khan’s visit primarily focuses on media workers and aims to showcase the thriving state of press freedom in the country.
During her visit, Khan, the third UNSR to visit the country since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office, is expected to engage in discussions with various national agencies, including the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the defense and security clusters, and even the Supreme Court.
The presence of a United Nations Special Rapporteur in Manila underscores the global significance of the Philippines’ commitment to freedom of expression. It provides an opportunity for the Marcos administration to demonstrate its dedication to protecting the rights of journalists and media workers, and to showcase the thriving media landscape that exists in the country.
By engaging in discussions with key national agencies, Khan’s visit allows for an exchange of ideas and best practices in promoting and protecting freedom of expression. It provides an avenue for the government to learn from the experiences of other countries and to strengthen its own policies and mechanisms for safeguarding the rights of journalists and media workers.
Furthermore, Khan’s visit serves as a reminder to the international community that despite criticism, press freedom is indeed thriving in the Philippines. It dispels any misconceptions and showcases the government’s commitment to creating an environment where journalists can work without fear of reprisal and where the voices of the people can be heard.
It is important to note that the visit of a United Nations Special Rapporteur is not only significant for the Philippines but also for the international community. It highlights the global importance of protecting and promoting freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. By engaging in dialogue and cooperation, countries can learn from each other and work towards creating a world where freedom of expression is respected and upheld.
In conclusion, the visit of Irene Khan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, to Manila provides an opportunity for the Marcos administration to showcase its commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and media workers. It also allows for an exchange of ideas and best practices in promoting and protecting freedom of expression. Through this visit, the Philippines can demonstrate its dedication to creating a thriving media landscape where everyone is empowered to freely express their opinions.
Source: The Manila Times
