Press Release
May 10, 2017

STATEMENT OF LP PRESIDENT SEN. FRANCIS PANGILINAN ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL'S UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW

The government's presentation at the UN Human Rights Council has apparently failed, as 45 member-states seek a closer look into reported killings linked to the government's war on drugs.

The government should allow the United Nations investigation of the extra-judicial killings if it truly believes its pronouncements that EJKs are not happening in the country.

It should open its doors to the international body to let human rights advocates see for themselves what's happening in our streets, the poorest communities, and the countryside.

For a start, it can invite anew UN Rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who has earlier expressed a desire to look into the killings. This time, it should be without conditions -- to allow her and her team unhampered access to the people.

Only then can we boast about being transparent, truthful, and faithful to our role as part of the community of nations in promoting and defending human rights.

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