Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan recently held a meeting to address potential concerns regarding the human rights situation in the Philippines. The meeting took place in Malacañang, according to Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Paul Gutierrez. While further details were not provided, Gutierrez confirmed that the two officials discussed the human rights concerns raised by the UN rapporteur.
Irene Khan arrived in the Philippines on January 22 and is scheduled to stay until February 2. Her visit aims to assess the state of rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the country. In an interview, Gutierrez highlighted that Khan’s visit demonstrates the government’s transparency and openness in addressing human rights issues. He stated, “We were able to show again our transparency, our openness, and our preparedness to have a dialogue with anyone.” Gutierrez added that the meeting allowed them to present the true record and status of human rights and journalism in the country.
Gutierrez further emphasized that Khan’s visit will provide the UN Human Rights Council with a more accurate understanding of the situation in the Philippines, countering the negative reports they have received. He shared that Khan was surprised to learn that more than half of the media killings since 1987 have been resolved, a fact previously unknown to the UN. Gutierrez praised the strength of the country’s justice system, stating that Khan appreciated it. He also highlighted the UN official’s recognition of the government’s collaborative efforts in addressing human rights issues.
While the meeting between Bersamin and Khan took place, there have been reports that investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) have gathered enough evidence to file a case of crime against humanity against former president Rodrigo Duterte and other individuals linked to his drug war. However, Gutierrez expressed his belief that the meeting has conveyed a different impression to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, countering the negative reports. He expressed hope that Khan’s visit would serve as an eye-opener to the United Nations, highlighting the credibility of the Philippine government in resolving issues, particularly through its justice system.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently stated that the government would not assist an ICC investigation, despite allowing ICC officials to visit the Philippines. He emphasized that these officials would not have contact with any government agency. The ICC reopened its inquiry in January last year after its suspension in November 2021. The government’s appeal against the resumption of the probe was also denied by the ICC Appeals Chamber in July. Marcos mentioned that the country’s return to the international tribunal is currently under study, although he foresees jurisdictional challenges.
During her visit, Khan commended proposed legislation such as the Human Rights Defenders Bill, the decriminalization of libel, and the Media Welfare Act. In addition to her discussions with lawmakers, Khan also met with officials from the National Privacy Commission, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DoJ), and other relevant agencies. She also had the opportunity to engage with various private civil society organizations.
Overall, the meeting between Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan signifies the Philippine government’s commitment to transparency and dialogue in addressing human rights concerns. Khan’s visit provides an opportunity to present the true record of human rights and journalism in the country, countering negative reports. It is hoped that her visit will contribute to a better understanding of the Philippine government’s efforts to resolve issues, particularly through its justice system.
Source: The Manila Times
