The United States, through its development arm, contributed almost P7 million ($125,000) to a human rights program by the Philippines and the United Nations (UN) to strengthen the country’s capacity for the promotion of human rights and mechanisms for accountability.
(From left) U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo González (Gaylord Hintay/UN Philippines)
In a statement, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson described human rights as an essential component in any developing country.
“Human rights are a critical pillar in development, and we believe it is not possible for any country to rise to its full potential without them,” the envoy said.
“We are proud to join the international community in supporting the Philippines to protect human rights and uphold every person’s individual dignity,” she added.
The contribution, which was made through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), was turned over to the Philippines-United Nations (UN) Joint Programme for Human Rights last July 6.
In a photo release, Carlson was seen with UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo González during the announcement.
“We welcome the contribution of the United States to the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights and their commitment to promote human rights in the Philippines and beyond. We look forward to engaging with them further on this important work,” González said.
The statement also referred US President Joseph Biden’s expression of support in pushing for human rights in the Philippines during his recent meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Washington D.C.
“Promoting respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as ensuring the safety of civil society leaders and marginalized communities, are among the key priorities in the US-Philippines relationship,” the statement read.
The UN Joint Programme in the Philippines was launched in 2021 to support government and non-government institutions in a number of critical issues, including safeguarding civic space and engaging with civil society and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
A three-year initiative, the program also hopes to fortify reporting mechanisms for accountability and promote human rights-based approaches to drug control.
The Philippines has received international criticisms over the previous Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs campaign, which killed tens of thousands of people in mostly impoverished areas.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently reopened its drug war probe in the country for alleged crimes against humanity due to Marcos’ predecessor’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.