UN council extends Callamard's term as special rapporteur
Agnes Callamard, U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, has rebuked Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's deadly campaign against illegal drugs, saying world leaders have recognized it does not work. Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV, File
MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution renewing the mandate of Agnes Callamard as special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions for three more years.
The council adopted the resolution extending Callamard's term of office during its 35th session in Geneva, Switzerland.
As special rapporteur, Callamard is mandated to "examine situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in all circumstances and for whatever reason, and to submit the findings on an annual basis, together with conclusions and recommendations."
My Mandate on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary killings has been extended #Humanrights #HRC35 https://t.co/SaxGNjSXUs
— Dr Agnes Callamard (@AgnesCallamard) June 22, 2017
In an academic visit to the country last month, Callamard stressed that world leaders have already recognized that President Rodrigo Duterte's so-called war on drugs is not effective.
Speaking before a drug policy forum at the University of the Philippines, Callamard said that countering the global narcotics problem requires effective approaches unlike the war on drugs.
"Let me be clear. In none of the countries where the perverse consequences of ill thought out drug policies were reported, in none of these countries did the drug problem disappear. In fact, the opposite happened," the UN special rapporteur said.
Following such remarks from Callamard, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that Callamard is not an expert on extrajudicial killings and drugs.
Contrary to Cayetano's comments, Callamard previously led human rights investigations in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. She has authored and directed volumes in monitoring political killings, excessive use of force, torture and sexual violence in armed conflicts.
Before leaving the Philippines, the UN special rapporteur said that she remains committed to conducting an official visit to the country.
"I am committed to continue my dialogue with the government and I am committed to undertake an official visit either by myself or with the special rapporteur on the right to health, because we both believe that a visit together would be more helpful, more useful, more effective," Callamard said.
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