In meeting with Bongbong Marcos, German envoy stresses importance of human rights

MANILA, Philippines — Germany Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel underscored Tuesday the importance of human rights as she paid a courtesy call on President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Reiffenstuel met with Marcos Jr. at the latter’s headquarters in Mandaluyong City. During the meeting, the two officials tackled several issues such as trade and economy, energy, maritime security, and human rights.

“I also underlined the importance Germany attaches to rule of law and safeguarding human rights and assured him of our continued commitment in this regard,” Reiffenstuel said in a press briefing following the courtesy call.

Reiffenstuel said the two officials did not go into details about the projects and programs concerning human rights, but noted the European country’s funding of the United Nations (UN) program on human rights.

“We discussed our commitment. We exchanged our commitment about Germany’s continued commitment in the area of protecting human rights and safeguarding rule of law,” Reiffenstuel said.

“We didn’t go into details of projects and project funding. As one example of Germany’s commitment, I mentioned Germany’s funding of the [UN] joint program on human rights,” she added.

In February this year, the European Parliament issued a resolution on underscoring the human rights situation in the Philippines and warning of the withdrawal of the country’s trade privileges with the European Union (EU).

Germany is part of the EU.

The Department of Foreign Affairs slammed the said resolution, calling it a “misguided attempt to interfere in the Philippine electoral process.”

READ: DFA slams EU Parliament resolution on PH human rights record

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