2. Views expressed by member and observer States of
the Council on the review outcome
470. China appreciated the great importance attached to the universal periodic review by the Government of the Philippines. It noted that the Philippines had actively participated in the interactive dialogue and had given a comprehensive account of its efforts to protect human rights, and that it made consistent and vigorous efforts to improve the human rights situation. China noted with appreciation that in the light of the real needs of vulnerable groups such as children, women and the aboriginal population, the Philippines had strengthened the protection through human action plans, including the implementation of the 25 year National Strategic Framework Plan for Development of Children, the formulation of Magna Carta for women, and the establishment of various mechanisms for the protection of the rights of migrant workers. China welcomed the newest information provided by the Philippines and its voluntary commitments. China was convinced that the Philippines would overcome challenges, meet its commitments and effectively promote and protect human rights.
471. Algeria commended the Philippines on its constructive approach and the involvement of civil society in the promotion and protection of human rights. The voluntary commitment and cooperation of the Government would provide help and relief for vulnerable groups. Algeria commended the Philippines on the unhindered participation of all stakeholders in the process and for promoting a genuine dialogue towards addressing its complex challenges. Algeria hoped that international assistance would be provided to allow the Philippines to translate the recommendations it accepted into reality by enhancing capacity-building. There was a need for continued support to develop a gender-responsive approach to issues relating to women and children, including for the improvement of the judicial system and on violence against women and children, and continued measures to address the basic needs of the poor and other vulnerable groups. Algeria welcomed that the Philippines was working towards harmonizing its national legislation with international human rights obligations and its acceptance to abolish the death penalty.
472. Canada was pleased that the Philippines had constructively engaged in the universal periodic review, and commended it in particular on efforts made with regard to extrajudicial killings and human rights trainings for security forces. Canada thanked the Philippines for its response to the outcome report and encouraged it to implement the recommendations of the Working Group. It specifically urged the Philippines to step up efforts to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killings and to punish those responsible for them and to address the culture of impunity. Further, the Philippines was encouraged to strengthen its witness protection programme and to increase training for its security forces on human rights and on their responsibility to protect human rights and human rights defenders. Canada would welcome an update to the Council before the following review on measures taken to follow up on the recommendations.
473. Qatar appreciated the steps taken to promote and protect human rights for the benefit of the people, as well as the Philippines’ commitments and endeavours to further enhance the protection of human rights, noting that this was not surprising for a country that had made a vital contribution to the institution-building process of the Council and the preparation of the universal periodic review mechanism. In spite of challenges, the Philippines responded positively to the recommendations of the Working Group, including to further promote and protect human rights and the rights of women and children and to develop gender-sensitive action plans, including in the judiciary and on the issue of violence against women and children, as well as measures to protect the media and find ways to meet the vital needs of the poor. Qatar noted that there was a collective responsibility to offer support to the efforts of the Philippines, through dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building.
474. Indonesia joined the other delegations in congratulating the Philippines on its remarkably frank and comprehensive report, which made impressive reading and documented a remarkable track record of achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights over the past 21 years. The strong commitment of the Philippines to the universal periodic review mirrored the consistency of the Government to always keeping in sight the goal of responsible governance. The early establishment of an independent commission on human rights had been the first in a series of moves to integrate the promotion and protection of human rights at all levels of the Government. It was an example of best practices, notably in the areas of development, education, the protection of migrant workers and trafficking of persons. As regards the recommendations of the Working Group, the Philippines has willingly undertaken to address some of the gaps in the protection of the human rights of women and children, particularly in terms of their status before the law and in situations of detention, or as the target of violence. The Government is also committed to continuing its action to combat and punish the killing of activists and media professionals. Indonesia has no doubt that the Philippines’ commitment to its pledges would see it succeed in those endeavours.
475. Sri Lanka commended the Philippines on the open, serious and comprehensive approach followed throughout the review of the Philippines. The number of recommendations supported by the Philippines and the voluntary commitments bear testimony to its commitment in the field of human rights, despite its complex challenges. Sri Lanka commended the Philippines on the commitment, initiatives and efforts made to combat trafficking at the national level and its leading role at the international level on that issue. Sri Lanka noted that the Philippines had identified a roadmap and expectations for international cooperation, and that there was a common responsibility to create a conducive and cooperative atmosphere to fulfil its needs upon request. Further, it was the Council’s common responsibility to create a collaborative atmosphere to help the country to meet its goals, to implement its roadmap and fulfil its expectations and needs, through international cooperation with a view to enhancing the protection of human rights.
476. Thailand congratulated the Philippines on the additional responses to the recommendations it provided to the Council, and shared the observations made by several States on the positive steps taken by the Philippines in considering the implementation of those recommendations to advance the cause of human rights. This bore testimony to the commitment of the Philippines to constructively cooperating with the Council and the universal periodic review. The Government should be supported and encouraged by the international community and interested stakeholders to help advance the promotion and protection of human rights of all people in the country. It welcomed the announcement by the Philippines of its voluntary commitments and pledges to the cause of human rights. Thailand was confident that the Philippines would continue to engage with the Council and interested stakeholders, with the will to increase dialogue and cooperation with international and regional mechanisms and with civil society in order to ensure that the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all would be promoted, protected and respected in the Philippines.
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