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Human Rights Watch brands Duterte's first year in office 'a calamity'

Philippine president a boisterous instigator for an unlawful killing campaign, says rights group
Human Rights Watch brands Duterte's first year in office 'a calamity'

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrives in Manila on June 28 after visiting soldiers wounded in armed clashes in the southern Philippines. (Photo by King Rodriguez)

 

Published: June 29, 2017 05:07 AM GMT
Updated: June 29, 2017 05:08 AM GMT

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's first year in office was "a calamity" that "caused a steep decline in respect for basic rights, Human Rights Watch says.

The New York-based human rights group said Duterte, who will mark his first year in office on June 30, "took office promising to protect human rights, but has instead spent his first year in office as a boisterous instigator for an unlawful killing campaign."

The president's war against illegal drugs has resulted in the killing of at least 7,000 suspected drug users and dealers since July 1, 2016.

Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, accused Duterte of inciting drug war killings.

The human rights group said that the government's war on drugs has also worsened the "already dire conditions of Philippine jail facilities, including inadequate food and unsanitary conditions."

"During his first year in office, President Duterte and his government have demonstrated a fundamental unwillingness to respect rights or provide justice for people whose rights have been violated," said Kine.

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