Manila Vows to Push for Human Rights

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HUA HIN, Thailand – The Philippines vowed Friday to play an active role in the newly-established ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights which seeks to develop cooperation to promote and protect human rights in a region where governments are facing charges of rights abuses.Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo represented President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the inauguration ceremonies for the new body here.Leaders of the nine other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries were present to formally launch the AICHR which embodies the member governments’ intention to improve their respective records of human rights protection.Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed Ambassador Rosario Manalo as the country’s representative to the AICHR.The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Chief Executive made Manalo’s appointment as the Southeast Asian leaders …