Geneva, A team of UN torture prevention experts concluded their second visit to the Philippines with a strong recommendation for the urgent establishment of a national body dedicated to preventing torture. This call highlights the critical need for a formal mechanism to address human rights concerns in the country.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the delegation, led by Victor Zaharia, emphasized the need for swift action in adopting bills currently under consideration in the Philippine House of Representatives and Senate. These bills aim to establish the National Preventive Mechanism, a proposed national monitoring body for which the UN team has offered technical assistance.
Zaharia pointed out the significance of the issues observed during the delegation’s visit, underscoring the importance of an independent torture prevention mechanism with unrestricted access to all places of deprivation of liberty. He stressed that such a mechanism, equipped with adequate resources, would be pivotal in combating torture and ill-treatment in the Philippines.
From December 3 to 14, the delegation visited over 40 sites across the Philippines, including police stations, jails, prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, “Houses of Hope” for minors, immigration detention centers, military, and drug enforcement agency facilities. They conducted confidential interviews with staff and individuals held in these institutions, assessing the treatment of individuals at different stages of the criminal or rehabilitation system.
Zaharia acknowledged the Philippine government’s efforts to address issues like overcrowding in detention facilities but highlighted that significant challenges remain. He emphasized the need for effective safeguards in police custody and the lawful and standard-compliant treatment of those deprived of liberty.
The delegation’s visit included meetings with government officials, members of the House of Representatives, the judiciary, UN representatives, and civil society. Discussions were also held with the National Commission on Human Rights.
At the conclusion of their visit, the delegation presented confidential preliminary observations to the Government of the Philippines. This will be followed by a confidential report containing detailed observations and recommendations to further prevent torture and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty.
The delegation comprised Victor Zaharia (Moldova), Satyabhooshun Gupt Domah (Mauritius), Aisha Shujune Muhammad (Maldives), and Martin Zinkler (Germany), accompanied by two Human Rights Officers from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.