GENEVA (18 March 2021) – A UN expert today called on the Philippine Congress to prioritise the passage of legislation for the protection of human rights defenders. “Enacting legislation at the national level is an important means by which States can recognise the work of human rights defenders and create robust mechanisms for their protection, and I urge all members of the Congress to get behind this praiseworthy initiative,” said Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders. Bills for the protection of human rights defenders, developed in consultation with civil society, have been filed in both chambers of Congress, with the Bill passing its third and final reading in the House of Representatives in June 2019. Corresponding bills have since been filed in the current session of Congress. Once approved by both chambers of Congress, any legislation would then be sent to the President for final approval. “In my recent report to the Human Rights Council I highlighted the extremely serious risks faced by those peacefully defending human rights around the world, including in the Philippines, and documented the legislative efforts already made by some States to protect them,” said Lawlor. “By prioritising legislation to protect human rights defenders, the Philippines would join that group and send a clear message about their willingness to uphold their human rights obligations.” ENDS