The Department of Foreign Affairs lashed out at a United Nations special expert who implied about human rights violations in the Philippines amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs following the verdict on two former Khmer Rouge leaders in Cambodia.
UN Special Expert on UN Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials David Scheffer said world leaders who violate human rights should “take note” of the decision of the court that dismissed an appeal against life imprisonment on Nuon Chea, former deputy secretary of the Communist Party of Kampuchea, and Khieu Samphan, former head of state of Democratic Kampuchea.
The charges against the two focused on alleged crimes against humanity committed during the forced evacuation of Phnom Penh in April 1975 and subsequent forced transfer from other areas, as well as alleged execution of former Khmer Republic soldiers in Tuol Po Chrey in Pursat Province.
Scheffer said the court decision should serve as a warning to leaders from the Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Syria, North Korea as well as the Islamic State group.
In a statement, the DFA described Scheffer’s remarks as “irresponsible and alarming since these are directed at the leadership of a democratic country with a functioning criminal justice system fully committed to respect human rights.”
“The Filipino people continue to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms,” the DFA further said.
“The Government’s campaign against crime and corruption is being waged precisely for the protection of its people and the continued enjoyment of their right to peace, security and fundamental freedoms.”
President Duterte has threatened to withdraw the Philippines from the U.N. for criticisms on his war on drugs.
The post DFA Slams UN Expert for Implying PH Human Rights Violations appeared first on Manila Bulletin.
Share It To Your Friends!
Loading...