Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) – The United States government has given almost ₱7 million ($125,000) to the Philippines-United Nations (UN) Joint Programme for Human Rights.
“We are proud to join the international community in supporting the Philippines to protect human rights and uphold every person’s individual dignity,” MaryKay Carlson, US Ambassador to the Philippines, said Friday in a statement.
“Human rights are a critical pillar in development, and we believe it is not possible for any country to rise to its full potential without them,” she added.
The funds will be coursed through the U.S. Agency for International Development and will support a three-year human rights program ensuring safe spaces for the public and promoting human-rights approaches to drug control.
It also includes “strengthening domestic investigation and accountability mechanisms; data gathering on alleged police violations; civic space and engagement with civil society and the Commission on Human Rights and counter-terrorism legislation.”
“We welcome the contribution of the United States to the UN Joint Programme for Human Rights and their commitment to promote human rights in the Philippines and beyond,” said Gustavo González, UN resident coordinator in the Philippines.
