‘United Nations rapporteur to see freedom of expression in Philippines’

MANILA, Philippines — UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan would see for herself a “flourishing” Philippine democracy and the government’s progressive agenda, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The government is confident that through meaningful dialogues and meetings with government, media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, Ms. Khan will see for herself the transparency and progressive agenda of the government with respect to the promotion and protection of freedom of speech and expression,” the DFA said in a statement over the weekend.

Khan, special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, will visit the Philippines from Jan. 23 to Feb 2.

She is the third special rapporteur to visit the country in 14 months, following the special rapporteur for the sale and exploitation of children Fatimah Singhateh in November 2022 and the special rapporteur for climate change and human rights Ian Fry in November 2023.

The DFA said the Philippines – a signatory to all eight core human rights treaties – has completed five constructive dialogues in 14 months, starting with the Committee on Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Committee on civil and political rights in September and October 2022, respectively.

In 2023, the country had dialogues with the Committee on Migrant Workers, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in March, April and October 2023, respectively.

The Philippines completed its 4th Universal Periodic Review in November 2022.

In December 2023, the Philippines welcomed the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture for a country visit pursuant to its obligation under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.