German human rights advocate supports Aquino

MANILA, Philippines (PNA) – A human rights advocate from the Federal Republic of Germany signified his support to the stringent efforts of the Aquino administration in pushing tangible developments for the country and the common goal of improving programs in the field of human rights.

During his courtesy call to President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Yellow Room of the Premier Guest House in Malacañang Palace on Monday, Commissioner Mark Loning of the Federal Government’s Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid said part of the discussions with the President were the improvement of good relations between the two countries and the development of more cooperation in the field of human rights. “We have discussed the good relations between Germany and the Philippines, we would like to improve this more and have more cooperation”, Loning said.

“The Philippines and Germany have introduced a resolution against human trafficking at the human rights council where the two countries are the main sponsors. We also talked about it and how to improve our common work in the field of human rights”, he added. Loning also acknowledged the abolition of death penalty in the country saying that the move was something very “special” in the Asian region.

“My feeling is that this government really wants to move forward in a very good and very fast way and we acknowledge that, we support that and we are very happy with that”, Loning noted. Commissioner Loning was accompanied by Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch of the German Embassy in Manila, Ralph Timmerman, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila and his chief of staff Peter Kettner.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose De Jesus. Other issues discussed during the call include the international criminal court and the optional protocol of the anti-torture convention. The Commission was anchored on protecting human rights and promoting universal respect, the cornerstone of the German foreign policy.

In the international arena, the German Government’s efforts are aimed not only at creating an international institutional and political framework for the protection of human rights but also – and most importantly – at protecting victims and potential victims of human rights abuses. The Commissioner is the contact point for all issues relating to human rights policy and humanitarian aid. His brief includes following political developments in these areas and submitting proposals to the Federal Foreign Minister on German policy in this connection. The Commissioner also liaises closely with many other institutions active in the area of human rights and humanitarian aid. –Manila Bulletin