Cayetano to represent PH at UN human rights council universal periodic review in Geneva

As the new dawn opens up in Geneva, Philippine senator Peter Alan Cayetano may have gotten a good night sleep already and has freshen up for his appearance at the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) Universal Periodic review today.

Cayetano co-leads the country’s delegation with Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

In a statement, the senator said that the Philippines has been a strong supporter of the UPR and the country attaches utmost importance to the work of the Human Rights Council, especially as it contributes to building the capacity of States to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Additional related reading info here: Human rights watch in the Philippines which opens a new browser window.

The Philippines, together with 13 other countries, will comprise the first batch in the UPR third cycle and will present during sessions in Geneva national reports on actions they have taken from 2012 onwards to improve the human rights situations in their respective countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights.

Interesting read here, the sweeping annual outline report by the Amnesty International on the Philippines for 2016/2017 which talk of unlawful killings, torture and other ill-treatment, the excessive use of force, abuses of armed groups, and more.

This UPR session will be a progressive step following the successful completion by the Philippines of the first and second cycles of the UPR process in 2008 and 2012. The Philippines was also on the first batch of countries on the 1st and 2nd cycle of the UPR.

Senator Cayetano also said that the Philippines believes that the UPR mechanism of the Human Rights Council is a very useful tool for effecting real change on the ground (sic), as it fosters genuine dialogue and cooperation through the sharing of best human rights practices and technical assistance to enhance the capacity of states to meet these commitments.

The UPR is a state-driven voluntary process that involves all UN Member States under the auspices of the HRC. It is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground of each of the 193 UN Member States. Under this mechanism, the human rights situation of all UN Member States is reviewed every 5 years. Forty-two States are reviewed each year during three Working Group sessions dedicated to 14 States each. The third cycle of the UPR will cover all UN Member States and run until 2021. (With DFA report)

Watch related video by Amnesty International, below:

Below, also include the iconic “Madonna and Child” photo frame:

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