Stop The Killings Network - CANADA: The Statement of Deepak Obhrai at the House of Commons

The statement of Deepak Obhrai at the House of Commons (Canadian Parliament) on behalf of the Government.

Obhrai in his position as Parliamentary Secretary is the counterpart of the Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs (or deputy to Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson)

Mr. Deepak Obhrai (Calgary East, CPC): Mr. Speaker, the Philippines faces serious human rights challenges, notably the ongoing extrajudicial killings and the apparent culture of impunity. Canada raised these concerns on April 11 during the Human Rights Council's universal periodic review of the Philippines.

Canada also encouraged the Philippines to ensure that its security forces are aware of human rights and their responsibility to protect human rights defenders.

Canada is encouraged that the Philippines has expressed its commitment to end extrajudicial killings through undertaking initiatives such as Task Force Usig, the Melo commission, and the visit of UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston. We also commend the laudable role of the Supreme Court in the preservation of human rights and in the pursuit of justice.

We encourage the Philippines to work at implementing the recommendations and to make progress on convictions. Canada supports the Philippines in implementing measures to promote and protect the human rights of all Filipinos.#