Philippines and EU acknowledge necessity for additional measures regarding human rights concerns
Venturing Ahead with Vows on Human Rights:
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) have reiterated their dedication to fostering and preserving human rights, acknowledging the need for significant progress on various human rights concerns plaguing the Southeast Asian nation. The affirmation came after their initial meeting of the Sub-Committee on Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Human Rights under the revamped EU-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), held on February 5.
The renewed bond between the EU and the Philippines encompasses a pledge to respect human rights as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and relevant international human rights treaties, to which both parties are signatories. The Sub-Committee's establishment serves as a platform to share views and concerns on human rights matters, bolstering their mutual engagement.
Reinforcing Accountability in the Drug War:
During the meeting, one of the primary discussion points focused on bolstering accountability and enhancing investigative measures—particularly within the context of the Philippine government's combative campaign against illegal drugs. The EU also expressed concerns about the efforts to revive the death penalty in the Philippines, an act met with EU opposition under all circumstances.
The EU encouraged the Philippines to continue advancing in its constructive engagement and to address the issues raised in the report of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights at the 44th session of the Human Rights Council. Specific concerns raised in the report centered around the lack of rule of law and due process in the country's drug war campaign.
The EU urged the Philippines to focus on addressing extra-judicial killings, providing remedies for victims, and holding perpetrators accountable. In response, Philippine representatives stated that domestic accountability mechanisms are operational, though efforts are underway to further strengthen national institutions and procedures to combat impunity.
Notably, the ongoing work of an inter-agency panel under the Philippines' Department of Justice, formed last year to reinvestigate controversial drug-related killings under the Duterte administration, was cited as part of these efforts. However, the panel's initial report—expected in November 2020—has not been finalized more than three months later, sparking questions about transparency and credibility.
Unshackling Press Freedom and Protecting Human Rights Defenders:
The discussion also touched upon freedom of expression, including the plights of Philippine journalists such as the CEO of our website. EU officials and the Philippines recognized their responsibilities to respect, protect, and promote these fundamental freedoms.
This recognition was further underscored by the nomination of our website CEO Maria Ressa for the Nobel Peace Prize 2021, alongside Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The EU and the Philippines also emphasized the importance of acknowledging, safeguarding human rights defenders, and enabling their work in accordance with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. This stance was a direct response to discussions that underscored the crucial role of freedom of association and assembly in fostering a successful democracy.
The case of Philippine Senator Leila de Lima, who has been imprisoned over alleged drug-related charges since 2017, was also discussed during the meeting. The EU Parliament has been advocating for her immediate release, set to mark her fourth year in detention on February 24.
The meeting was presided over by Eamon Gilmore, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, and co-chaired by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific in the European External Action Service; and Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda of the Office of European Affairs. The next Sub-Committee meeting is expected to take place in the Philippines during the first half of 2022.
- The European Union (EU) has emphasized the need for bolstering accountability and enhancing investigative measures in the Philippines' drug war, a key political issue, as part of their commitment to upholding human rights, as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- The EU and the Philippines have recognized the significance of protecting human rights defenders, including journalists, as a crucial aspect of fostering a successful democracy and promoting freedom of expression, which falls under the general-news category.
