Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 41st Session

Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines

Statement by Australia

14 November 2022

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia welcomes actions and commitments taken on human rights by the Philippines since its last UPR appearance including the Philippines’ willingness to engage with the UN Joint Program on Human Rights.

Australia encourages the Philippines to take further action to strengthen accountability measures and the rule of law, to ensure human rights abusers are brought to justice and to deter further violations.

Australia recommends that the Philippines:

1. Investigate all allegations of extrajudicial killings and ensure accountability, including through continued engagement with the UN Joint Program on Human Rights in the Philippines.
2. Take all necessary measures to ensure full and meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in development, and protect defenders of Indigenous Peoples’ human rights from harassment and intimidation.
3. Strengthen the fiscal independence and resourcing of the Commission on Human Rights by providing adequate funding, consistent with the Paris Principles.
4. Ensure laws and policies are consistent with the right to freedom of expression, including by amending laws such as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Revised Penal Code where necessary.

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