The Philippines - Universal Periodic Review

Session reviewed: 41st session of the Universal Periodic Review
Date reviewed: November 14, 2022

Recommendation

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Canada welcomes the Philippines’ participation in the UN Joint Programme on Human Rights, and its adoption of legislation ending child marriage, raising the age of consent, and combatting online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. We encourage their full and immediate implementation. 

Canada recommends that the Republic of the Philippines: 

1. Ensure that victims of the ‘war on drugs’ have access to justice, by thoroughly investigating and prosecuting alleged illegal acts committed by law enforcement officials, and ensuring the swift conclusion of associated trial proceedings. 
2. Enact legislation to better protect human rights defenders, including environmental and Indigenous human rights defenders. 
3. Take appropriate steps to amend the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act in order to decriminalize libel and cyber libel, in favour of civil proceedings. 
4. Ensure public transport is designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, and that children with disabilities are provided adequate transportation to school. Further ensure that Republic Act 7277, or the "Magna Carta for Disabled Persons" receives adequate funding. 

Canada continues to be concerned about reports of attempts to stifle free speech of journalists and human rights defenders, including through politically-motivated prosecution and red-tagging. A free and independent media and civil society are crucial for a vibrant democracy.