NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
UN Special Rapporteur Urges PH Gov't To Support Freedom Of Opinion And Expression
Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, briefs reporters at UN Headquarters. Photo - © UN Photo/Manuel Elías
The United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) Irene Khan concluded her intensive ten-day engagement in the Philippines, marking a pivotal chapter in the ongoing dialogue surrounding Freedom of Opinion and Expression (FOE) in the country.
Over the course of her visit, UNSR Khan engaged with twenty-four government agencies, held meetings with over ten members of the House of Representatives, and conducted discussions with seven members of the Supreme Court. These interactions aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Philippine Government's commitment to openness and transparency in the context of safeguarding human rights.
The UNSR's initial report, presented at the exit conference, offered constructive suggestions to enhance existing programs and mechanisms protecting human rights, with a specific focus on FOE. These recommendations will serve as a foundation for transformative measures, subject to thorough evaluation and potential implementation.
While acknowledging the government's openness to reforms, the UNSR recognized the challenges posed by the brief duration of her visit in fully comprehending the intricacies of the local context. Consequently, both the government and the UNSR expressed their commitment to continued discussions and collaborative efforts in the pursuit of common goals.
During the exit conference, UNSR Khan commended the resilience and dynamism of the Philippines' civil society organizations, applauding the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) for its support. Positive developments, including the renewal of peace negotiations and the release of Senator Leila de Lima and Ms. Maria Ressa, were highlighted. The UNSR also acknowledged the active participation of a robust civil society.
In response, the government pledged to enhance inclusivity by involving civil society organizations in its initiatives, recognizing the critical role they play. The commitment to strengthen media freedom and security, with the allocation of necessary resources, was emphasized.
Looking forward, the UNSR has been invited to participate in the forthcoming Freedom of Opinion and Expression Stakeholders' engagement scheduled for mid-2024. This collaborative platform will further contribute to the ongoing dialogue and collective efforts to uphold human rights standards.
Over the course of her visit, UNSR Khan engaged with twenty-four government agencies, held meetings with over ten members of the House of Representatives, and conducted discussions with seven members of the Supreme Court. These interactions aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Philippine Government's commitment to openness and transparency in the context of safeguarding human rights.
The UNSR's initial report, presented at the exit conference, offered constructive suggestions to enhance existing programs and mechanisms protecting human rights, with a specific focus on FOE. These recommendations will serve as a foundation for transformative measures, subject to thorough evaluation and potential implementation.
While acknowledging the government's openness to reforms, the UNSR recognized the challenges posed by the brief duration of her visit in fully comprehending the intricacies of the local context. Consequently, both the government and the UNSR expressed their commitment to continued discussions and collaborative efforts in the pursuit of common goals.
During the exit conference, UNSR Khan commended the resilience and dynamism of the Philippines' civil society organizations, applauding the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) for its support. Positive developments, including the renewal of peace negotiations and the release of Senator Leila de Lima and Ms. Maria Ressa, were highlighted. The UNSR also acknowledged the active participation of a robust civil society.
In response, the government pledged to enhance inclusivity by involving civil society organizations in its initiatives, recognizing the critical role they play. The commitment to strengthen media freedom and security, with the allocation of necessary resources, was emphasized.
Looking forward, the UNSR has been invited to participate in the forthcoming Freedom of Opinion and Expression Stakeholders' engagement scheduled for mid-2024. This collaborative platform will further contribute to the ongoing dialogue and collective efforts to uphold human rights standards.
Feb 2, 2024
