As delivered by Jessica Carl
Universal Periodic Review 27th Session
Geneva,
May 8, 2017
Thank you Mr. President.
The United States welcomes the Philippine delegation.
The United States has discussed our concerns with the prosecution of the drug war on multiple occasions with the Philippine government, and will continue to do so.
We recognize the desire of the Philippine government to address the challenge of illegal drugs, but as it pursues these efforts, we believe it is important that the Philippine government investigate the allegations of the more than 7,000 deaths associated with the counter-narcotics campaign since July 2016, including over 2,600 killings by security forces and 4,000 by unknown assailants.
We ask the government to investigate these crimes, hold accountable anyone found responsible, and bring justice to the victims.
We recommend that the Philippines:
- Ensure that all counter-narcotics operations are conducted in conformity with constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.
- Strengthen investigative and prosecutorial bodies to ensure thorough investigation into all killings, as well as appropriate prosecution of perpetrators.
- Strengthen criminal justice reform efforts in order to ensure a speedy and fair trial for all accused.
Thank you Mr. President.