Comment from UN Special Rapporteurs and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention

PUBLISHED: JUNE 2020

These comments address ‘The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020’ (the Act) of the Philippines, highlighting the potential impact on the protection and promotion of a number of fundamental human rights. In particular, the Act raises serious concerns regarding the designation of individuals, civil society, and humanitarian organizations as “terrorists” in the context of ongoing discrimination directed at religious and other minorities, human rights defenders, and political opponents. The comment encourages the Philippines government to reconsider key aspects of the Act to ensure that any counter-terrorism legislation is in compliance with its international human rights obligations.