
By: Elena Grace Flores
Senator Imee Marcos said agrees with the Philippines to cut diplomatic ties with Iceland ASAP. She cites how developed nations should not impose on other sovereign countries.However, instead of harsh statements, she wants to see if there’s something the government can do to reverse the Iceland sponsored resolution. This is with regards to the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that seeks a comprehensive report on the drug war.
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[VIDEO]: Imee Marcos: Cutting ties with UN rights body huge loss for PH
Filipino Envoys to Lobby Member-States to Vote Against the UN Resolution
Eighteen of the 47 UNHRC member states, mostly European nations, voted to adopt Iceland’s resolution. It sought a comprehensive review on the human rights situation in the Philippines. Fourteen voted no, while 15 abstained. That resolution has been circulating for quite a while. It may have gone unnoticed, said Senator Imee Marcos. We could have prevented an unfavorable decision had our ambassadors lobbied against the resolution. But we’re here now, so let’s move forward, she added.
Moving Forward
The Philippine government must also explore the possibility of reversing the outcome of the vote by lobbying countries. Those which abstained, to change their votes, the new Senator suggested. The resolution was adopted during the 41st session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Switzerland from June 24 to July 12.
Imee Marcos to Appeal to Friends
Many of the countries which abstained and may be convinced to change their mind are considered Philippines’ friends. These are the South Americans, Fiji, Africans, and Arab states, explained Marcos. The 15 member-states which abstained on the resolution are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Chile, Congo, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Togo and Tunisia.
Pros and Cons at the UN
Those which voted in favor of the resolution are Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Italy, Peru, Mexico, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom including Northern Ireland, and Uruguay. Meanwhile, Angola, Bahrain, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Hungary, India, Iraq, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia voted against the resolution.
The Decision is with the President
Imee Marcos clarifies that the decision ultimately rests on President Rodrigo Du30. The Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the President is “seriously considering cutting diplomatic relations” with Iceland due to its role in sponsoring the resolution.
http://www.new.carelinkwebpr.com/du30s-favor-on-cayetanos-speakership-can-benefit-bongbong-marcos/