Making his United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debut, President Duterte has vowed to protect human rights while slamming detractors who weaponize these rights to discredit his government.

The President likewise pushed for an "open dialogue and constructive engagement" with the UN on human rights but called for respect for the principles of objectivity and noninterference.

The protection of human rights was tackled by the President in his maiden address at the UN General Assembly in the wake of calls for an independent probe into the alleged abuses in his war on drugs. Other topics discussed by Duterte included the global pandemic response, the arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea, appeal for peace not nuclear war, and proposed UN reforms.

"The Philippines will continue to protect the human rights of its people, especially from the scourge of illegal drugs, criminality, and terrorism," the President said.

"A number of interest groups have weaponized human rights; some well-meaning, others ill-intentioned. They attempt to discredit the functioning institutions and mechanisms of a democratic country and a popularly elected government which in its last two years, still enjoy the same widespread approval and support," he said.

He said such detractors were passing themselves off as human rights advocates while pursuing their anti-government agenda. He said they were "preying on the most vulnerable humans; even using children as soldiers or human shields in encounters."

"Even schools are not spared from their malevolence and anti-government propaganda. They hide their misdeeds under the blanket of human rights but the blood oozes through," he said.

To move forward, Duterte recognized that holding an open dialogue and constructive engagement with the United Nations is the key.

Duterte, however, said such engagement must be done "in full respect of the principles of objectivity, noninterference, non-selectivity, and genuine dialogue."

"These are the fundamental bases for productive international cooperation on human rights," he added.

The President has previously rejected criticisms of his war against illegal drugs, and instead repeatedly issued a threat to kill those who will destroy the nation.

Based on recent government data, anti-drug operations have left more than 5,800 dead. A panel led by the Department of Justice is currently conducting a judicious review of the drug-related police operations that resulted in deaths.