NEW YORK The Philippines proved wrong critics of its human
rights record when it garnered third top spot in todays race for the 14
seats in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
In his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Ambassador
Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said
that Manilas third place finish demonstrates the international communitys
continued confidence in the Philippines commitment to uphold, protect and
promote human rights.
With its re-election, the Philippines will serve another term of three years
until 2010.
Ambassador Davide stated that the Philippines received 179 votes or 43 more
votes than it had during last years elections. India topped the elections
with 185 votes followed by Indonesia and Madagascar which tied for the
second spot with182 votes each.
The re-election of the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights
Council is a vindication for the Philippines and President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo, Ambassador Davide said, referring to the campaign launched by non-
government organizations to frustrate the Philippines re-election bid
because of alleged human rights abuses.
This was the Philippines first election victory under the watch of
Ambassador Davide who assumed as Permanent Representative only three months
ago. This
re-election follows Manilas successful one-year term as member of the 47-
member Council.
In Manila, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo welcomed confirmation
of the Philippines election to the HRC and thanked the Philippines
partners in the community of nations for the overwhelming support.
The Philippines re-election to the Council is a clear vote of confidence
for the Philippines and President Arroyos efforts to move further forward
the global agenda of upholding and protecting human rights, Romulo said.
With this fresh mandate, the Philippines has been given another opportunity
to strengthen further its advocacy in key human rights areas, Romulo
pointed out.
This fresh mandate likewise underscores our Foreign Service Posts success
in harnessing and sustaining global support for the Philippines initiatives
in the United Nations, Romulo added.
Secretary Romulo cited in particular the efforts of Ambassador Davide and
Ambassador Enrique Manalo, the Philipines Permanent Representative to the
United Nations in Geneva.
In its re-election candidature, the Philippines indicated voluntary
commitments that include strengthened resolve to address politically-
motivated killings of media members and activists, sustained leadership in
promoting interfaith dialogue, continued advocacy of the rights of migrant
workers and commitment to making the Council a more efficient and effective
organization.
Aside from the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Madagascar, the other
member-states that were elected to the Council are Qatar, Italy,
Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Nicaragua, Bolivia, South
Africa, Angola and Egypt.
The UN HRC was created by the 192-nation UN General Assembly on 15 March
2006 with the passing of Resolution No. 60/251. END
