UN rapporteur rejects Duterte's conditions on EJK probe

MANILA, Philippines — United Nations special rapporteur on summary executions Agnes Callamard urged the Philippine government to reconsider its demands on her planned visit to the Philippines.

Callamard is scheduled to visit the country early next year to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects ever since President Rodrigo Duterte took office.

Duterte said he wants to have a public debate with Callamard rather than holding a private meeting with him.

READ: Duterte insists on public debate with UN special rapporteur

"I deeply regret the Government’s position and urge the authorities to reconsider their demands," Callamard said in a statement.

The president also demanded to put forward his own questions to "whoever he deems appropriate, including the Special Rapporteur."

Duterte wants Callamard to take an oath before answering questions from government officials regarding the issue.

"It is crucial for the effective implementation of the mission that the UN terms of reference are fully accepted by governments and that the code of conduct is respected," the special rapporteur said.

Callamard had proposed an alternative that complies with the Human Rights Council’s code of conduct governing country visits by special rapporteurs.

The UN special rapporteur suggested holding a private debriefing with Duterte and a joint press conference where the president can question her findings.

The government earlier denied reports that it has canceled the visit and insisted that Callamard will have to comply with the conditions of the president.

Under her mandate, Callamard is expected to meet with government and other public officials at the national and local level.

The special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings undertakes country visits to examine situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions worldwide.