Quezon, Philippines, June 26-27, 2024 – Deputy Ombudsman for Human Rights Maria Marilia da Costa and Investigation Officer Valerio Magno Ximenes participated in a crucial meeting aimed at developing the Inter-National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) Inquiry Mechanism (INIM) for addressing transboundary human rights issues in Quezon, Philippines.
The meeting, which concluded on June 27, 2024, marked the second phase of INIM’s establishment. It focused on identifying pressing transboundary issues in the Asia-Pacific region, evaluating the effectiveness of existing protection mechanisms, and gathering suggestions for joint inquiries. Additionally, the meeting resulted in the formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG).
At the conclusion of the meeting, NHRIs members who attended the meeting, including the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) of Timor-Leste, Komnas HAM of Indonesia, SUHAKAM of Malaysia, and CHRP of the Philippines, signed a Statement of Support reaffirming their strong endorsement of INIM’s establishment. This mechanism is seen as pivotal in regional efforts to uphold human dignity, ensure accountability, and promote justice.
Following this meeting, the team has completed the second phase of INIM’s development and now aims to proceed with the third phase, which involves convening a technical working group to draft inquiry regulations, operational protocols, and memorandum of agreement. Subsequent phases include holding a high-level meeting to finalize these documents and providing training and technical support to the secretariat.
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