In line with its firm position against President Duterte’s extra-judicial war on drugs in the Philippines, Liberal International has called on the United Nations to set up an independent international commission of inquiry into the alleged extra-judicial killings in the country in order to determine responsibility and ensure mechanisms for accountability.

In a written statement submitted to the 35th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, LI has reiterated its call to President Duterte to comply with his duty to protect the lives and the rights of the citizens of the Philippines and to direct the Philippine National Police to immediately end their campaign of extrajudicial executions.

Commiting liberal human rights parliamentarians, LI member parties and the LI Human Rights Committee to continue to support the independent media, the liberal opposition in the country and all those who openly criticize President Duterte’s extra-judicial killings of drug suspects, the statement reminds of LI’s unwavering support towards the restoration of justice and accountability in the Philippines.

LI has also called on the United Nations to remain vigilant of the case of Senator Leila De Lima (Liberal Party of the Philippines, LI full-member) and condemn the continuing violations of fundamental human rights and the rule of law in the country.

Senator De Lima remains behind bars on politically motivated charges despite multiple calls for her release by liberals worldwide and leading human rigths organisations such as Amnesty International, while Vice-President of the Republic Leni Robredo (Liberal Party of the Philippines, LI full-member) faces fresh calls for impeachment having similarly become a frequent target of politically motivated harassment and intimidation.

The full statement as published by the UN Human Rights Council can be accessed by clicking here.