International coalition calls for 'decisive actions' against drug war killings in the Philippines

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International coalition calls for 'decisive actions' against drug war killings in the Philippines

13 November 2017

By Jodesz Gavilan

More than 200 non-governmental organizations also urge ASEAN to end its silence on human rights violations under President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs

MANILA, Philippines – Over 280 non-governmental organizations have called for “urgent measures” against reported human rights violations under President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs.

“We call on the world to take decisive actions to stop the killings and encourage better policies,” the global coalition said in a statement released on Friday, November 10.

The group, composed of leading human rights organizations in the Philippines, Filipino American advocacy groups, and drug policy reform, recovery, HIV/AIDS support groups, among others, urged the world to “act with urgency” in holding accountable those responsible.

It also asked the international community who are known donors to the Philippines – such as the United Nations, the United States, European Union, and Canada – to “bring their financial and diplomatic leverage to bear on this.”

“We call for a process of accountability, starting with a UN-led investigation,” it said. “At a minimum, donor states should condition most law enforcement assistance on upholding human rights norms.”