UN Launches Probe on Philippines Drug War Deaths

Mon, 19 Aug 2019

UN Launches Probe on Philippines Drug War Deaths

Voice of America
12 Jul 2019, 16:05 GMT+10

The United Nations Human Rights Council has voted to launch an investigation into the alleged killings of tens of thousands of Filipinos during the government's war on drugs.

The measure, put forward by Iceland, was approved 18-14 Thursday. It cites extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and disappearances at the hands of police since President Rodrigo Duterte launched the anti-narcotics campaign in 2016.

Philippines ambassador in Geneva, Evan Garcia, immediately rebuked the U.N. move saying it "does not represent a triumph of human rights, but a travesty of them.''

Filipino activists have claimed that about 27,000 people have been killed as police terrorize poor communities, using cursory drug "watch lists" to identify users or dealers. The government counters that about 6,600 people have been killed by police in shootouts with drug dealers.

The resolution was welcomed by human rights groups. "This vote provides hope for thousands of bereaved families in the Philippines," Amnesty International said in a statement. "It's a crucial step towards justice and accountability."

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Caribbean Herald.

More Information

Business

Chinese central bank adjusts interest rate-settings, stocks advance

SYDNEY, Australia - Stocks in China and Hong made solid gains on Monday.Support for Chinese stocks followed a decision on ...

In Kim's Threats and Appeasement, Experts See Move to Manipulate Trump

Connie Kim and Oh Taek-sung of the VOA Korean Service contributed to this report.WASHINGTON - North Korean leader Kim Jong ...

Kudlow defends Trump attempt to restructure trade relations with China

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump's chief economic adviser has ridiculed the idea that the country is facing a ...

Argentine president replaces treasury minister

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Nicolas Dujovne has been replaced as Minister for the Treasury in Argentina, in a shock move ...

Expo 2020 Dubai to feature 220,000 square metres nursery

DUBAI, UAE - In October next year, Dubai will take to the world stage for a long antipated international event ...

UK commits 600 million pounds to new housing projects in England

LONDON, UK - Up to 50,000 new homes in high demand areas will be delivered through over £600 million of ...

Latin America

Argentine president replaces treasury minister

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Nicolas Dujovne has been replaced as Minister for the Treasury in Argentina, in a shock move ...

Boks: The rising importance of Frans Steyn

Cape Town - A glance at his game time over the course of the 2019 Test season so far does ...

Boks move past England in rankings

Cape Town - The Springboks have moved past England into fourth spot on the official World Rugby rankings.This follows South ...

Philippe Coutinho makes loan switch to Bayern Munich from Barcelona

Munich [Germany], Aug 19 (ANI): Brazil's midfielder Philippe Coutinho on Monday made a loan switch to Bayern Munich from Barcelona ...

Bok trio a boost for struggling WP

Cape Town - Springboks Dillyn Leyds, Wilco Louw and Scarra Ntubeni have been released from the national squad and will ...

NCCA holds project proposals workshop in Ozamiz

OZAMIZ CITY, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, July 24 (PIA)--The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Culture and Arts ...

Movie Review

Detour [Blu-Ray]