Australia thanks you for your report on the implementation of the Human Rights Council resolution 45/33. We welcome the progress and results of the technical cooperation and capacity-building program for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.

Australia notes concerns expressed about reports of extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detention and physical and legal intimidation, including ‘red-tagging’, of human rights defenders in the Philippines.

We recognise and welcome the Philippine Government’s support for the UN Joint Program and the initiatives it has advanced to date to progress accountability for domestic human rights violations and abuses. We welcome the recent comments by the Government affirming its ongoing commitment to strengthen domestic processes related to the rule of law and accountability. We urge the Philippine Government to continue pursuing accountability to promote and protect human rights.

Australia remains committed to working with the Philippines to meet its human rights obligations, including through our financial support to the UN Joint Program. We ask how can the international community support the Philippines to implement the National Mechanism on Reporting and Follow-up under the UN Joint Program?