CHR: ICC decision a chance for Marcos to prove vows of accountability

CHR / JUNE 8, 2021
Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City
INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to use the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision as a chance to “give better meaning” to his commitment of ensuring accountability for human rights violations during his term.

“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, CHR encourages the Government of the Philippines to view this decision as an opportunity to give better meaning to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s commitment at the onset of his presidency to ensure a ‘high-level of accountability’ for human rights violations during his term,” the CHR said in a statement.

“CHR supports the reforms pushed by this administration. We hope these efforts ultimately yield justice for the victims and better respect for the human rights and dignity for all,” the commission added.

This comes after the ICC appeals chamber denied the motion for reconsideration of the Philippine government to stop the international body’s investigation into the war against illegal drugs launched during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: ICC junks PH plea to stop probe into deaths linked to war vs. drugs

However, the CHR clarified that the resumption of ICC investigation is “separate and distinct” from the independent investigation of CHR on the alleged extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations linked to Duterte’s war on drugs.

The CHR also said the result of their probe and recommendations on the drug war have since been submitted to Marcos government “for their consideration and action.”

“CHR is willing, ready, and able to assist the government so it may better comply with its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all, especially the vulnerable and aggrieved,” they also said.

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