The 2024 Human Rights Report makes it clear that since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office on June 30, 2022, the situation regarding impunity and human rights violations has remained unchanged, and there have been no significant improvements in the protection of HRDs in the Philippines. President Marcos Jr. presents his government as being more committed to human rights than his predecessor. However, he continues to pursue the repressive policies of the Duterte administration. Drug-related killings still occur and the justice system remains dysfunctional. To date, there have been only three court convictions for drug-related killings under Marcos Jr.’s leadership. The political persecution of HRDs also remains alarming.
Two years into the presidency and with no significant improvements in the human rights landscape in the Philippines, the international community is nonetheless intensifying diplomatic relations with the country. However, despite the increasing geopolitical importance of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region for the international community’s foreign and security policies, particularly amid political tensions with China and Russia,
it is crucial that human rights are not neglected. From the perspective of civil society, lack of progress in this area is regrettable.
Based on case studies, this fifth AMP Human Rights Report identifies specific patterns of human rights abuses during President Marcos Jr.’s administration in the period between 2022 and 2024. The report concludes with concrete recommendations for the Philippine government, the European Union and its member states, as well as other international parties. These include recommendations on how to improve HRD protection in the Philippines.
If you wish to receive a print copy of the report (excl. shipping fee), please send an Email to info@amp.ngo.