A U.N. expert says steps have been taken under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address human rights abuses such as the killings of journalists and rights activistsUN expert says more needs to be done to address human rights abuses in the PhilippinesUnited Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan, center, gestures after talking to reporters during a press conference in Mandaluyong, Philippines on Friday Feb. 2, 2024. A United Nations expert said Friday that steps have been taken under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deal with human rights atrocities, like the killings of journalists and rights defenders, but added that much more need to be done like ensuring accountability. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)MANILA, Philippines -- The government of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to to address human rights abuses in the country, including the killings of journalists and rights activists, a U.N. expert said Friday. Watchdog groups had described Duterte’s term as a “human rights calamity” due to widespread violations, including the killings of thousands of mostly poor suspects in a brutal anti-drugs crackdown. "Tackling the grave and deep-seated human rights problems of the Philippines … will require more fundamental and sustained reforms and also a clear commitment to accountability,” Khan said.

Source: ABC News February 03, 2024 08:36 UTC