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UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan delivers her exit statement on her official visit to the country during a press conference at Rockwell Business Center Sheridan in Mandaluyong City on February  2, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175028782294320240202-khan-irene-presscon-MT-10.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan delivers her exit statement on her official visit to the country during a press conference at Rockwell Business Center Sheridan in Mandaluyong City on February  2, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, presented her final report on the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday.“The report acknowledges the vital role of freedom of expression in ensuring free and fair elections. It notes that rising authoritarian trends polarized politics in backsliding democracies,” Khan said.Khan’s report, which came after her visit  to the Philippines in 2024, acknowledged the country’s lively civil society and diverse media landscape. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/3/25/sc-allows-un-special-rapporteur-to-participate-in-cyberlibel-case-of-maria-ressa-1517">SC allows UN special rapporteur to participate in cyberlibel case of Maria Ressa</a></div>However, she expressed serious concerns about ongoing red-tagging, sluggish judicial processes, extended pretrial detentions, and the alarming trend of impunity surrounding journalist killings.“I&#x27;m deeply impressed with the vibrancy and dynamism of civil society and the diverse media landscape of the Philippines—tolerance, openness and diversity. However, I&#x27;m concerned about the practice of red tagging, which impacts some human rights, defenders, social activists, and those critical of the government,” she said.She pointed to a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that recognized red-tagging as a threat to life and liberty. She emphasized the urgent need for reforms to protect freedom of expression and to put an end to harmful practices such as red-tagging and assaults of journalists.“The government should now act on that decision and eliminate the practice totally to turn the page decisively on the past,” she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/01/28/24/un-rapporteur-visits-detained-rights-defenders-journalist">UN rapporteur visits detained rights defenders, journalist in Leyte</a></div>She also expressed her concern regarding the slow pace of judicial procedures, prolonged pretrial detention, the refusal to grant bail when there is no risk of flight, and slow disposal of cases that makes a travesty of justice and equates the innocent with the guilty.Khan said she hoped that the government would address this problem with urgency.“I also found ongoing impunity regarding the killings of journalists and that must end. While some progress has been made in a few cases, there is great need for bolder efforts to ensure accountability, “ she added.Lastly, Khan urged the government to continue enforcing more significant legal policy and institutional changes to demonstrate commitment for freedom of expression.

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, presented her final report on the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Irene Khan, presented her final report on the Philippines to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

UN rapporteur urges reforms in Philippines, flags red-tagging, media attacks in final report

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UN rapporteur urges reforms in Philippines, flags red-tagging, media attacks in final report

ABS-CBN News,

Mon Rodelas

Published Jun 19, 2025 07:05 AM PHT

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