United Nations Committee Urges the Philippines to Address Human Rights and Socioeconomic Inequalities

Manila, Philippines – March 2025 – The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR) has released its concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of the Philippines, raising serious concerns over the country's persistent human rights violations, economic disparities, and inadequate protection of marginalized communities.

During its 77th session, held on February 19-20, the CESCR reviewed the Philippines' compliance with the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and highlighted critical issues requiring urgent government action. Among the primary concerns were the ongoing threats against human rights defenders, the exploitation of indigenous peoples and farmers, and the failure to address economic inequality.

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA), along with other civil society organizations, submitted a Joint CSO Report to the Committee, detailing the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. PAHRA also sent a delegation to the CESCR session to present key findings and engage in discussions, reinforcing the urgent need for government accountability and reform. As part of its report, PAHRA cited specific cases, including the continued detention of women's rights advocate Sally Ujano, the alleged attempted assassination and subsequent detention of labor rights defender Lejhun Dela Cruz, and the displacement of the Manobo Pulangiyon Tribe due to land grabbing.

Key Findings:

• Harassment of Human Rights Defenders: The Committee expressed alarm over reports of red-tagging, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting activists, trade unionists, and indigenous leaders. Despite existing legal frameworks such as Administrative Order No. 35, impunity remains a major concern. The Committee called on the Philippine government to ensure thorough investigations and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Indigenous Land Rights and Agrarian Reform: The report pointed to continued violations of land rights, where large corporations and politically influential actors undermine the protections afforded to indigenous communities and farmers. The CESCR urged the government to strengthen the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and uphold agrarian reform programs to prevent displacement and land dispossession.
• Drug War and Extrajudicial Killings: The Committee raised concerns over reports of state-sanctioned violence in the war on drugs, including alleged killings by security forces. The UN body called for a shift from punitive drug policies to a human rights-based approach focusing on rehabilitation and harm reduction.
• Economic Inequality and Social Services: Despite official claims of economic growth, many Filipinos continue to experience poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate access to social services. The CESCR urged the government to prioritize policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare, education, and decent wages for all citizens.

Call to Action:

The Committee called on the Philippine government to take immediate and concrete steps to implement reforms that will protect human rights, promote social justice, and uphold the country's obligations under the ICESCR. It urged stronger protections for human rights defenders, genuine agrarian and labor reforms, and a shift in drug policies to align with international human rights standards.

Furthermore, the CESCR recommended that the Philippines ratify the Optional Protocol to the ICESCR and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to provide justice and accountability for victims of human rights violations.

Meanwhile, PAHRA is urging President Marcos to return or rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) in light of the recent arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. PAHRA emphasized that rejoining the ICC would benefit victims, strengthen the rule of law, and challenge President Marcos to demonstrate a stronger commitment to human rights. It also underscored that ICC membership would help governments respect human rights and remain accountable for violations.

As a member of the international community, the Philippines is expected to fulfill its commitments under the UN human rights framework and ensure that economic progress translates into genuine improvements in the lives of its people. Civil society organizations and human rights groups have echoed the UN’s concerns and vowed to continue their advocacy for accountability and reform. ###

About PAHRA

The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) envisions a just, democratic, and peaceful Philippines built on a culture of human rights. Committed to promoting and protecting human rights, PAHRA collaborates with various sectors to ensure the dignity and rights of all individuals are upheld.