DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that the Duterte administration welcomes the United Nations Rapporteur on Human Rights to probe the killings in the country.
“Though there is no formal invitation, the Duterte administration welcomes the United Nations Rapporteur on Human Rights to come over and look into the alleged human rights concerns – a clear manifestation that this administration has nothing to hide before the international community,” Andanar said in a statement on Friday, September 23.
Andanar said the government’s all-out war against drugs conducted by the law enforcement is a “war for national survival.”
“The drug menace has permeated the length and breadth of the country, threatening to destroy the very fabric of our society. We know that widespread drug use not only leads to other crimes, it can also turn the country into a narco state where lawlessness prevails and can set back our efforts at achieving inclusive economic growth,” he said.
However, the Palace communications chief, pointed out that United Nations observer “should also listen to what we have to say, both in the spirit of mutual respect and out of genuine recognition of our status as a sovereign nation.”
Earlier this month, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for his “lack of understanding” of human rights principles.
“The President of the Philippines’ statements of scorn for international human rights law display a striking lack of understanding of our human rights institutions and the principles which keep societies safe,” Zeid said on the occasion of the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council Geneva, Switzerland.
On Thursday, Duterte issued an invitation again addressed to U.N secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, UN special rapporteurs, European Union representatives to visit and investigate the killings in the country.
“Come, I will issue the invitation, but be prepared to be an educated human being, because you’ll have to answer my questions, too,” Duterte said when spoke to the troops of the Philippine National Police–Police Regional Office X at Camp 1Lt. Vicente G. Alagar in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.
The President, however, said that he will only allow them to question him if they let him ask them in return. Dutere’s all-out war on drugs has drawn criticisms from UN, EU and other international organizations. (davaotoday.com)
