Marcos Administration’s Human Rights Dilemma
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., there were notable efforts to improve human rights in the Philippines in 2024. However, Human Rights Watch emphasizes that these measures did not adequately address the grave violations that continue to plague the nation. Despite the administration’s pledges to investigate drug-related killings, accountability remains elusive, notably for the actions of the previous Duterte administration.
Ongoing Violence and Lack of Accountability
Throughout the year, killings linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign persisted, raising concerns amidst the hollow promises of justice. Bryony Lau from Human Rights Watch urged the President to translate his positive intentions into tangible reforms: “While President Marcos sent a positive message that he intends to address serious human rights concerns in the Philippines, he needs to match his words with action.”
The police and unidentified assailants reportedly killed 332 drug suspects by mid-November 2024, with a total of 841 deaths documented since Marcos took office.
Unaddressed Historical Violations
The Department of Justice initiated a task force to probe these extrajudicial killings, prompted by explosive congressional hearings where former President Duterte confessed to his complicity in a “death squad.” Alarmingly, as of 2024, there has been little to no progress in holding anyone accountable for these “drug war” fatalities, with only four police convictions since 2018.
Repression of Civil Society
Remaining issues extend beyond extrajudicial killings; activists face egregious harassment through practices like “red-tagging,” which baselessly links them to communist insurgents. In 2024 alone, there were reported cases of enforced disappearances, primarily affecting environmental and land defenders.
Call for Urgent Reforms
Human Rights Watch implores President Marcos to implement critical reforms to overhaul the country’s human rights landscape. The international community is likewise urged to press for accountability concerning the systemic abuses witnessed during the drug war and within the realm of activist repression.
– 2024 saw some initiatives for human rights improvements in the Philippines under President Marcos, but many issues persist. – Ongoing drug-related killings totaled 332 by November; only four police convictions since 2018. – Activists face harassment, with reports of enforced disappearances making headlines. – Human Rights Watch stresses the need for true reform and accountability for abuses.
In summary, while the Marcos administration has expressed intentions to improve human rights in the Philippines, it has largely fallen short of taking decisive steps towards accountability for past and ongoing abuses. Calls for serious reforms highlight the imperative need for a comprehensive approach to dismantle the cycle of violence and ensure justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and activists targeted by the state.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
