Statement by the UNODC Executive Director on the situation in the Philippines

I join the United Nations Secretary-General in condemning the apparent endorsement of extrajudicial killing, which is illegal and a breach of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Such responses contravene the provisions of the international drug control conventions, do not serve the cause of justice, and will not help to ensure that “all people can live in health, dignity and peace, with security and prosperity”, as agreed by governments in the outcome document approved at the UN General Assembly special session on the world drug problem.

UNODC supports balanced, people-centred, evidence- and rights-based approaches to drug control, rooted in the agreed international conventions and standards.

  • Human rights

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This statement was in response to the killings of hundreds of extra-judicial killings of people suspected of using or dealing drugs in the Philippines, under the campaign launched by President Duterte to eradicate drugs and crime.