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Advocates Philippines
Commission On Human Rights Welcomes ICC Decision On Continuing 'Drug War' Probe
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The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has taken note of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber's decision to reject the appeal made by the Government of the Philippines regarding the suspension of the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity associated with the previous administration's anti-drug campaign.
The CHR views this decision as a significant step towards ensuring justice and upholding the rights of both victims and the accused.
In line with the principles of justice, the CHR recognizes the continuation of the investigation as an essential part of due process, aiming to establish the truth and hold perpetrators accountable if guilt is proven. As the independent national human rights institution of the Philippines, the CHR urges the government to embrace this decision as an opportunity to fulfill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's commitment to ensuring a "high level of accountability" for human rights violations during his term.
The CHR stands ready to assist the government in fulfilling its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable and aggrieved. It is important to note that the ICC's resumption of the investigation is distinct from the independent investigation conducted by the CHR into alleged extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations related to the previous administration's anti-drug campaign.
The CHR's findings and recommendations have already been shared with the Government of the Philippines through the 2022 CHR Report on Investigated Killings in relation to the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign, awaiting their consideration and appropriate action.
The CHR views this decision as a significant step towards ensuring justice and upholding the rights of both victims and the accused.
In line with the principles of justice, the CHR recognizes the continuation of the investigation as an essential part of due process, aiming to establish the truth and hold perpetrators accountable if guilt is proven. As the independent national human rights institution of the Philippines, the CHR urges the government to embrace this decision as an opportunity to fulfill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's commitment to ensuring a "high level of accountability" for human rights violations during his term.
The CHR stands ready to assist the government in fulfilling its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all individuals, particularly the vulnerable and aggrieved. It is important to note that the ICC's resumption of the investigation is distinct from the independent investigation conducted by the CHR into alleged extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations related to the previous administration's anti-drug campaign.
The CHR's findings and recommendations have already been shared with the Government of the Philippines through the 2022 CHR Report on Investigated Killings in relation to the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign, awaiting their consideration and appropriate action.
Jul 19, 2023
