MANILA – A United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) resolution giving the Philippines a “technical assistance” to further strengthen the country’s accountability mechanisms is a welcome development for Malacañang.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the latest resolution proved that the UNHRC believes that the country’s criminal justice system is functional despite various criticisms.
“We are thankful for the UN Human Rights Council. Tama po naman iyong kanilang ginawang resolution,” Roque said in a virtual press conference. “This is very much appreciated.”
“Iyan po ay nagpapakita na nagtitiwala pa rin ang UN Human Rights Council sa mga institusyon para mapanagot po ang mga lumalabag sa karapatang pantao ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The resolution, which was adopted by the UNHRC, requests the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet to provide support to the Philippine government in its “continued fulfillment of its international human rights obligations and commitments.”
It also urges member states and relevant UN agencies to “encourage and support technical cooperation between the Philippine government and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
Roque said the national government will “fully cooperate” with the UNHRC in promoting and protecting human rights in the Philippines, admitting that the government is “not perfect.”
“We will fully cooperate po with the UN Human Rights system, dahil iyan naman po ang gusto natin. We are not saying, we are perfect, kaya nga kung gusto ninyo, huwag na ninyo kaming pulaan, tulungan na lang ninyo kami,” Roque said./PN
