CHR tells gov’t to tackle EJKs after PH gets into UN Human Rights Council

The Commission on Human Rights reiterated on Saturday its call for the government to address human rights violations following the country’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“Earning a seat in the said Council, however, puts pressure on the Philippine government to address numerous allegations of human rights violations, starting with the growing cases of extrajudicial killings purportedly linked to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs,” the commission said in a statement.

The commission said the country must fulfill its mandate to promote and protect human rights for its citizens.

“The Philippines’ credibility to be part of this body rests on its ability to effect actions that will concretely address these allegations, in line with its mandate to promote, protect, and fulfil the human rights of all and not just of a select few,” it said.

The commission added it would “continue to perform its mandate of helping UN to monitor the human rights situation” as the country’s independent human rights institution.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the country received 165 out of 192 votes to earn a seat in the council for three years. /atm