Gov’t hopes for positive review on anti-trafficking effort

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is hopeful that the Philippines will get a positive review on its anti-trafficking efforts from an international human rights expert who will visit the country tomorrow.     

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has stepped up measures to combat human trafficking. “We’re hoping that the development will be positive and that the review will be positive because we’ve had several positive actions when it comes to our fight against human trafficking, particularly trafficking of women and children,” Valte told radio station dzRB yesterday.      

She said the government has managed to convict persons involved in trafficking in various parts of the country. United Nations Special Rapporteur Joy Ngozi Ezeilo is scheduled to arrive in Manila tomorrow to look into the government’s efforts in curbing human trafficking.  

Ezeilo is an independent expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to advocate the prevention of all forms of trafficking in persons.        

Ezeilo said she wants to be informed about the gains that the government has made in addressing human trafficking.            

She is also scheduled to visit Zamboanga and meet with representatives of various government agencies and the judiciary as well as members of civil society organizations, and victims of trafficking.       

Ezeilo is expected to submit her report and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council.