Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Sunday lauded the Philippines’ role in protecting the rights of overseas Filipinos, even as he noted the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation in advancing human rights on a global scale.
In his video message for the National Human Rights Consciousness Week 2022 and the 74th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Manalo said he is honored to be among “fellow champions and defenders of human rights.”
“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with its mission to promote and protect Philippine interest in the global community has been at the forefront of advancing the welfare of overseas Filipinos and pursuing opportunities or constructive cooperation on human rights with various international partners,” Manalo said.
The country’s top diplomat cited the Philippines and United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) as it “aptly reflects our theme on the role of human rights advancement in building strong foundation for peace, justice, environment, development, and solidarity.”
Manalo stressed that at the core of the UNJP is “inclusivity” because “it brings together the government, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), civil society, and a number of UN and other international partners.”
According to Manalo, the goal of the UNJP at strengthening the human rights work of national institutions, as well as “supporting domestic processes through technical cooperation.”
“May we all continue to work closely together not only to raise awareness and consciousness about human rights, but also to facilitate opportunities or concrete collaboration with duty bearers and stakeholders on the ground,” the DFA chief said.