Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia led the Philippine delegation at the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights and International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on Right to Development and the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) 10th Anniversary Year during the High Level Segment of the 31st session of the HRC.
Undersecretary Garcia delivered the Philippine statement at the High Level Segment (HLS) of the 31st Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 2 March 2105.
Undersecretary Garcia, commenting on the celebration of the human rights conventions, said that “indeed these anniversaries of human rights conventions and declarations gave hope to millions of people around the world towards improving their welfare and livelihood as well as peace and security for all individuals.”
Undersecretary Garcia also pointed out that the celebration of anniversaries “are also reminders to each one of us that we, as individuals and a community, have the responsibility and the duty to implement the goals and visions of these conventions and declarations”.
He added that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in New York last September 2015, along with the UN Declaration on the Right to Development, will also be major consideration in pursuing the development plans of the country.
“While not couched in the usual human rights language, Agenda 2030 nevertheless reminds us also that we must find ways to meet the needs of future generations so that they, too, can enjoy their rights and economic opportunities with dignity and sustainability” said Undersecretary in explaining the nexus between the states’ human rights obligation and Agenda 2030.
He stressed that “in supporting the 2030 Development Agenda, the Philippines has renewed its steadfast commitment, to not only sustainable development, but more importantly, to human rights.”
“This came naturally in our country as we have long mainstreamed human rights and placed the dignity of human beings at the center of development, “ he added.
He stressed that the Philippines looks forward to continue working with the international community to ensure that human rights constitute a key component of the nation’s collective progress.
Undersecretary Garcia also explained that Philippine advocacies in various areas, such as climate change and disaster risk reduction, migration and trafficking in persons, and rule of law, form part of the building blocks for sustainable development.
He noted that the rule of law was a significant ingredient of any effort towards sustainable development and global peace and security. Quoting Foreign Affairs Secretary, H.E. Albert del Rosario, he emphasized that, “keeping faith in the law allows us to treat each other fairly and in the spirit of sovereign equality. It provides the rules with which nations can relate and work together. Fidelity to the rule of law allows us not only the means to resolve differences, but also the substance on which to build better understanding.”
Commenting on the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the HRC, Undersecretary Garcia emphasized that the Council should be a partner of States and other stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights.
“For us, the Council should be a venue for genuine constructive dialogue, veering away from the naming and shaming of countries, avoid politicizing human rights concerns, and with a strong focus on capacity building and technical assistance, at the request of states,” he noted.
He reiterated the country’s stance on the discussion on reforms within the HRC, saying, “as the Council continues to find ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Council, the Philippines commits itself in supporting practical and doable initiatives but always mindful of its possible adverse impact on the nature of the Council as a subsidiary body of the UNGA.”
The High-Level Segment (HLS) is a regular feature of the March session of HRC where heads of States, heads of Governments, and high ranking officials address the Council on various issues.
The 31st Session of the HRC is the first regular session of 2016, which is also the Council’s 10th anniversary year. The HRC 31 will be in session for a month, from 29 February to 24 March 2016.
The Philippine delegation to HRC 31 is comprised of Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia (Head of the delegation), Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative Cecilia B. Rebong (Co-head), DOH Undersecretary Lilibeth C. David, DA Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano, GPM Deputy Permanent Representative Noralyn J. Baja, GPM Minister Enrico T. Fos, DFA Principal Assistant Jonelle John Domingo and GPM Attaché Marivil V. Valles. END