UN Fights Back: A Global Check on the Philippines’ Drug Crackdown
What the UN Heard
On Thursday, the United Nations Human Rights Council decided to open an official investigation into the sudden spike in killings that have rocked the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte‘s so‑called “war on drugs”. Activists, who had long hoped the world would notice, finally got the nod they were waiting for.
Numbers that Shook the Council
- Government claims: ~6,600 police‑vs‑suspected drug dealers slain since 2016.
- Activists’ figures: at least 27,000 dead—but that’s not the only grim detail.
- Human‑rights body: American watchdog Human Rights Watch says poor neighbourhoods are being terrorised.
The Resolution’s Roll‑Call
It was the very first time the Philippines became a focus of a Council resolution, thanks to an Iceland‑led initiative. The vote finished 18 for, 14 against (including China), and 15 abstentions (Japan among them). A pretty tight winn‑win‑toss.
Voices from the Front Lines
“This move isn’t just about justice for the families of slaughtered victims; it’s a clear warning to anyone who keeps lauding President Duterte,” said Ellecer “Budit” Carlos of iDefend, a Manila rights group. “It’s a sham, a fake war—what’s truly going on is a terror campaign.”
Unmasking the Dark Reality
Activists claim police are using quick “drugs watch lists” to target folks, then staging sting operations that lead to excruciating shootouts. The death toll has worsened as tragically low‑age victims keep cropping up; the newest case involves a 3‑year‑old girl, Myca Ulpina, when her father allegedly used her as a human shield.
Philippines Stands Over Their Gun
Politically, the Philippines fought hard against the resolution. Ambassador Evan Garcia declared it “politically part‑isan and one‑sided,” demanding the country’s “zero tolerance” for disrespect. He warned of “far‑reaching consequences” for any disapproval.
Critics from the Right‑Side of the World
HRW’s Laila Matar slammed Garcia’s threats, noting how scary it is for grassroots defenders, journalists, and civil society activists that any dissent could be met with punitive action. Her words sparked an uneasy silence in the city of Manila, where reporters asked Duterte if he would allow UN officials into the heart of investigations.
Duterte’s Dilemma
“Let them state their purpose, and I’ll review it,” Duterte said. For now, the UN’s investigation will proceed under the guidance of its human‑rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who will present her findings in June 2020. The world is watching.
