DAVAO CITY (October 14) — The recent victory of the Philippines in winning another three-year term in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) means the international community is convinced that country respects and protects human rights.
Outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in a statement Saturday said, “Our successful bid to keep our seat in the Council is proof that many in the international community remain convinced the Philippines respects and protects human rights and have seen through the efforts of some to politicize and weaponize the issue.”
Despite criticism against the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, Cayetano said the Philippines won a seat after 165 out of 192 member-states voted in favor of the country’s inclusion.
Cayetano stressed that the Philippines won despite local and international human rights groups asking the UN to reject the country’s bid for reelection.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the victory is a proof that the UN recognizes the government’s respect for human rights.
Panelo in a statement said, “The Philippines’ re-election to the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council for another three-year term with a vote of 165 out of the 192 votes cast by member-states is a recognition that our government respects human rights and will not tolerate abuse by those in authority.”
Panelo added that getting a seat in the UNHRC refuted critics and detractors of the drug war, which is meant to rid the streets of drug coddler and make Filipinos feel safer.
Panelo said the Philippines’ inclusion also showed that the community of nations has viewed the drug menace as “a global problem” which nations had to deal with together.
“We thank and commend the UN Human Rights Council, as well as the states that supported our country’s bid, for affirming the Philippines’ brand of human rights advocacy under the Duterte administration as truly responsive to our people’s needs and aspirations for a better and more dignified life,” Panelo said.-NewsLine.ph
