A 25 member delegation from the Philippines attended the 2008 UN Human Rights Council meet in Geneva Switzerland. The delegations were tasked by the president to defend the country’s human rights records before the members of Human Rights Council.
In a progress reports submitted to the news media organizations, the delegations were convinced that the council would acknowledge their presentations which clearly states that the Philippine government adheres to the promotion and respect of human rights.
The country is a council member and is hoping that its current position won’t be derailed by the many accusations of human rights violations. It was noted that the Philippines was accused of gross human rights violations by the UNHCR who conducted a study in 2007 upon the invitations of Human Rights Advocates.
Reports have indicated that there are 902 killings and 180 forced disappearances committed last year under the present government of President Gloria Arroyo. Most of the case involves political killings and forced abductions of militant groups. Not a single case was resolved or properly investigated by the authorities and the perpetrators were never brought to the bar of justice.
Now that the country is under scrutiny of its human rights records in Geneva, the families of the victims of human rights violations and summary executions are hoping that the Human Rights Council will hear their voices loud and clear.
Although only a small group of placard bearing Filipino protesters went to Geneva, their presence is just enough to send a message to the United Nations Human Rights Council that gross violations of human rights in the Philippines is one of the most contentious issues that needs to be addressed once and for all.