Yasay to work with international community on human rights

MANILA, Philippines – After threatening to leave the United Nations for expressing serious concern over extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses, the Philippines vowed to continue to engage the international community within the framework of the guiding principles of the UN and according to its time-honored processes and protocols.

“In turn, the UN must continue to be an important platform through which nations can think through our common challenges and problems and act collectively for effective measures and solutions,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said during the UN Day celebration in the country on Monday.

“Furthermore, we see the need to free ourselves from double standards, which only leave the weak at the mercy of the strong,” he added.

“We will not waver amidst mounting frustrations and disappointments in the perceived failures of the United Nations, which are reflective of the inherent weaknesses of systems and mechanisms that fall short of addressing various world problems and concerns. Our spirit of shared responsibility, global partnership and selfless service to look after each other must prevail,” Yasay said.

He also said the UN and the Philippines must “remain relevant and responsive” to the needs of countries and peoples for enduring peace, security and stability.

“Let us continue to hope for the best when the United Nations asserts its role to unite, not divide, us – for a world marked by peace, freedom, equality and human dignity as we forge ahead towards a shared future that works for all,” Yasay said.

“In the war against drugs, we stand firm in our adherence to due process and strict observance of the rule of law. Our actions are predicated on the general welfare of the Filipino people, which we can never compromise. With lessons from history, we will always be looking after our interests first and foremost, especially for the benefit of millions of Filipinos left behind as victims of numerous inequalities resulting from outdated economic and political structures,” he added.

The Palace disclosed it had sent an invitation to the UN to investigate the reported extrajudicial killings in the country in the course of President Duterte’s war against illegal drugs but UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard said the body had not yet received it.

Yasay said the Philippines, like any sovereign nation, would pursue whatever is best for its national interest within the framework of a rules-based system established under international law.

“Nevertheless, our actions remain guided by the collective values shaped by our historical experiences and struggles as a people. As we chart our engagement with the world, we will continue to expand partnerships abroad where there is convergence. When these partnerships run counter to our interests, our choice, like other nations, will be to prioritize our own,” he said.

“It is the sovereign right of a country to make its own choices in accordance with its own realities, own compelling urgent needs while seeking common ground for possible collaboration with its friends, neighbors or partners despite differences or disputes that may exist,” Yasay said.

Yasay said the Philippines’ decision to chart its own course, including an independent foreign policy, “does not signify destroying alliances, making enemies or creating new barriers towards working together.”

“To be able to hold on to one’s own, while simultaneously exercising flexibility and striking a strategic balance between converging or conflicting interests, form the bases of a foreign policy that is independent and pragmatic. This can only give way to new or stronger structures and mechanisms to promote better understanding and mutually beneficial relationships among equals,” Yasay said.

For his part, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren said at the UN Day observance that the Philippines and the UN had made great strides together in surmounting some of the most complex humanitarian and development challenges.

“While we look back and celebrate our successes, we also look forward and stand even more committed to work hand in hand toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” Almgren said.

In a symbolic football kick with Philippine Azkals members Aly Borromeo, James Younghusband and Phil Younghusband, Yasay and Almgren placed the spotlight on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its adoption by 193 UN member states in September of 2015, this global agenda has been driving international commitment to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

“What we have signed up for is to hand over a better world to the next generation. If we achieve the goals by 2030, all Filipinos will have adequate nutritious and affordable food and better opportunities for education. They can live healthier and more prosperous lives, have better assets within reach such as energy, forests, coastal resources,” Almgren said.

“They will live in communities safe from armed conflict and climate change. Both men and women will have equal access to all these, and they will have the power to ensure that these resources will continue to benefit future generations,” he added.

The Philippine government and the UN also highlighted their 71 years of partnership and reiterated their shared commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Philippines is one of the founding members of the UN. Along with 49 other countries, it was among the first signatories of the UN Charter in June 1945. 

In the 71 years that have passed since then, the Philippines has been a very active member of the UN, contributing to peace and security, development and humanitarian action on the global level. 

In the Philippines, the partnership has led to a reduction in the percentage of Filipino families living below poverty and cut malaria-related deaths by half. The number of undernourished households, underweight children and the mortality rate of children under five have also decreased significantly, while access to safe drinking water has reached 80 percent.