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UN Slams Extrajudicial Killings in Philippines' So-Called War on Drugs

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - A report submitted to the U.N. Human Rights
   Council denounces the so-called war on drugs by the government of
   Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, which has resulted in the
   killings of thousands of alleged drug suspects.

   The United Nations was not allowed to enter the Philippines to conduct
   its investigation. Therefore, its report is based on information
   gathered from hundreds of documents, civil society and government
   sources, as well as interviews with victims and witnesses.

   The material presents a chilling account of a five-year war against
   drugs waged by Duterte without regard for due process rights and the
   rule of law. Official government figures show at least 8,663 people
   have been killed. However, some estimates put the toll at more than
   triple that number.

   U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, said the
   report finds serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial
   killings and incitement to violence were sanctioned from the highest
   levels of government.

   "The report finds that the killings have been widespread and systematic
   -- and they are ongoing. We also found near-total impunity, indicating
   an unwillingness by the state to hold to account perpetrators of
   extrajudicial killings. Families of the victims, understandably, feel
   powerless, with the odds firmly stacked against justice," she said.

   Bachelet notes senior government officials acknowledge the draconian
   campaign has not been effective in reducing the supply of illicit
   drugs. She calls on the government to conduct independent
   investigations into the grave violations documented in the report.

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