Enrique Manalo
The Philippines remains fully committed to efforts toward empowering victims of terrorism, including their families and communities.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo gave this assurance as the country joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on Monday.
While admitting that “much work remains to be done in advancing the rights of victims of terrorism,” Manalo, in a statement, also assured the victims of the government’s efforts to enable them “to participate actively in and contribute meaningfully to relevant policy discussions in national, regional and international arenas.”
Address root causes
According to him, the Philippines has adopted measures not only to counter and prevent terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism, but also to ensure that their root causes are sufficiently addressed.
These measures also intend to ensure that the victims, as well as the families of the victims, are able to find justice in an integrated process that requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, he added.
Foundation of sustainable development
“The Philippines recognizes that ensuring peace and security is an essential foundation of sustainable development and, through the Philippine Development Plan, pursues an inclusive, transparent, people-centered and human rights-based peace and security policy,” he said.
On the international front, Manalo welcomed the “increasing attention to, and sharpening of the agenda on, the rights and needs of victims and survivors of terrorism.”
“We also welcome the strengthening of international cooperation including the provision of technical assistance to States,” he said.
The United Nations General Assembly established in 2017 the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to be commemorated annually on Aug. 21, in order to honor and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. INQ
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