Senator Imee Marcos
MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos on Thursday said the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) seeking a review of the Philippine human rights situation can still be reversed.
“It is not yet final. There is no UN rule that stops UNHRC member states from changing their original votes that led to the July 12 resolution,” Marcos said in a statement.
“History shows it has been done before and involving a very profound issue,” Marcos added.
Marcos cited the case of Israel, which is considered a globally recognized state because of vote changes on a UN resolution legitimizing Israel’s statehood.
“Our country’s top diplomat can demand of any foreign ambassador based here to explain their country’s vote in favor of the controversial UN resolution initiated by Iceland. From there, an amicable and mutually beneficial decision may be reached,” she said.
“The Philippines can also negotiate with European Union states that are non-members of the UNHRC to speak with EU members who voted,” Marcos also said.
Marcos said the diplomatic ties with Iceland should be cut because “it had no reason to antagonize the Philippines.”
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was “seriously considering” cutting ties with the Nordic state after it sponsored a resolution at the UNHRC to look into the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“Whatever political agenda Iceland has because of its floundering balance of trade, the resolution it sponsored to review allegations of human rights abuse in the Philippines is sheer hypocrisy,” Marcos said.
“Let me say it once again: Legalized abortion up to 22 weeks into pregnancy in Iceland is a state-sponsored human rights violation against defenseless, unborn children,” Marcos added. (PNA)
