No significant change in Phl HR situation - US

Despite the decrease in cases of extrajudicial killings, there were no significant changes in the human rights situation in the Philippines last year, according to the US State Department.

- JANVIC MATEO

Based on the US State Department's 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, significant human rights issues were reported in the past year, including credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings, enforced disappearance, torture, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions and arbitrary detention.

It also cited serious problems with the independence of the judiciary, arbitrary and unlawful interference with privacy, serious abuses in a conflict and unlawful recruitment or use of child soldiers by terrorists and groups in rebellion against the government.

The US State Department also noted serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, serious government corruption, serious government restrictions on or harassment of domestic human rights organizations, extensive gender-based violence and significant restrictions on workers' freedom of association.