The Philippines has reiterated its intention to work with fellow United Nations member states in promoting human rights and upholding fundamental freedoms such as of the press.
During the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) human rights dialogue in Siem Reap, Cambodia last month, the Philippine delegation shared the country's priorities and initiatives in the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
"The Philippines’ adherence to international standards on human rights and its open and constructive engagements with global bodies, especially the UN, on these same standards remains strong and vibrant,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda said during the meeting.
“The Philippines reiterates its willingness and readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders, including similarly situated UN Member States, to share knowledge and awareness in clarifying such emerging trends. Fully recognizing its role as a human rights duty-bearer, the country shall continue to provide accessible venues and advocates for dialogue,” he added.
Ledda said the current status of the country's human rights situation was presented in the dialogue.
The discussion also included the country's priorities on human rights under the leadership of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. such as the holistic approach to the anti-illegal drug campaign, strengthening domestic investigative and accountability mechanisms, upholding freedom of the press, protection of migrant workers, and updates on relevant laws and international engagements undertaken by the Philippines.
The dialogue is a venue for discussions between ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and National Human Rights Institutions. It is an open space to share experiences in promoting and protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the peoples of ASEAN.
The Philippine delegation was composed of Ledda, who was also the former Philippine representative to the AICHR; Deputy Assistant Secretary and Philippine Representative to the AICHR Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau; Deputy Assistant Secretary and Alternate Philippine Representative to the AICHR Noel M. Novicio; and Acting Director and AICHR Assistant Lyza Maria S. Viejo.