The scheduled visit to the Philippines of United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan is a manifestation that the country is always open and sincere in cooperating with international partners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued this statement on Saturday, a day before Khan’s arrival in Manila. She will stay here until Feb. 2
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said it is ready to welcome Khan in Manila.
“This visit signifies the open, sustained, and sincere cooperation of the Philippine government with bilateral and regional partners and the UN, on many fronts, where the country promotes its human rights-based development agenda and good governance, as well as its contributions in strengthening global norms to uphold human rights and dignity,” the DFA said in a statement.
Khan is the third UNSR to visit the Philippines in 14 months, following Special Rapporteur (SR) for the Sale and Exploitation of Children, Fatimah Singhateh in November 2022, and SR for Climate Change and Human Rights, Dr. Ian Fry in November 2023.
In Feb. 2023, SR for Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Morris Tidball-Binz, also had an academic visit to the Philippines.
Philippine engagements with UNSRs also included meetings undertaken by Undersecretary Severo Catura of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, the most recent of which took place in July 2023 on the sidelines of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The DFA likewise said the Philippines “cooperates in good faith” with international human rights mechanisms, and supports funding for cooperation to build human rights capacities in developing countries.
“The Philippines takes pride in its human rights agenda, built over decades and across different administrations, which has set important benchmarks in the protection and promotion of the rights of various marginalized communities, including migrant workers, women, children, indigenous peoples, refugees, stateless persons, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups,” the DFA said.
The department also said Khan’s visit would be an opportunity for her to see that the government is transparent and progressive in its agenda with respect to the promotion and protection of freedom of speech.
“The PTFoMS said in a statement that Khan’s visit is a welcome opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to openness, transparency, and its vibrant media community highlighted by everyone’s right to freely express their opinion.”
PTFoMS Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez, in collaboration with various partner agencies, has worked to accommodate Khan’s requests for meetings with selected state institutions and government bodies.
“The government remains steadfast in its efforts to foster an environment where anyone can freely express their opinion without fear,” Gutierrez.
Serving as the primary coordinator for Khan’s visit, PTFoMS has actively facilitated numerous meetings across different regions, including Baguio City, Cebu, and Tacloban, ensuring a diverse representation of Filipino voices.
In response to Khan’s specific requests, numerous meetings have been arranged with key institutions.