UN special rapporteur to visit Phl

It’s all systems go for the visit of United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion of the freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan to the Philippines next week, President Marcos’ media security task force said yesterday, as it expressed confidence that the event would reaffirm the country’s standing as a “strong advocate” for free expression and human rights.

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In a statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) described the visit as a welcome opportunity to showcase the nation’s commitment to openness and transparency and its “vibrant” media community.

“The Presidential Task Force on Media Security is fully prepared for the forthcoming visit of United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of the freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, to the Philippines next week,” it said. Khan’s visit to the Philippines will take place from Jan. 23 to Feb. 2.

According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the official country visit will be undertaken to examine – in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue – the situation of the rights to freedom of opinion and expression in the Philippines.

The task force said its executive director, Undersecretary Paul Gutierrez – in collaboration with various agencies – has “diligently” worked to accommodate Khan’s requests for meetings with her chosen state institutions and government bodies.