MANILA – Iceland was hopeful the Philippines will cooperate with the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) drug war probe in the country.
Iceland on Thursday said it dealt with UN’s human rights concerns in a non-politicized way, contrary to President Rodrigo Duterte’s speculations.
“Icelandic authorities sincerely hope that the Philippine authorities will engage the UN on this and the resolution,” Iceland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“For a small and peaceful country like Iceland, international law and the multilateral system is our sword, shield and shelter. Therefore, when Iceland became a new member of the Council last year, Iceland pledged to address human rights concerns objectively and, on their merits, in a non-politicized, non-selective manner,” it added.
The Nordic country added the resolution was focused on getting facts straight, since the Philippine government was accusing other nations of banking “false narratives” regarding the human rights situation in the country.
“The resolution is, however, very modest, focusing on impartiality and cooperation with the UN to get clarity around the contested facts. The resolution also reaffirms the determination of UN member states to tackle the world drug problem and enjoyed the support of countries facing their own serious drug problem,” it said.
The UNHRC has adopted Iceland’s resolution at the 41st regular session of the council in Geneva. Of the 47 member-states, 18 voted in favor of conducting an investigation into the Philippines’ drug war.
Duterte slammed Iceland for sponsoring a resolution with his spokesman Salvador Panelo, saying the President is considering cutting diplomatic ties with the Nordic nation./PN
