The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is one with the nation in warmly welcoming the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Ms. Irene Z. Khan to the Philippines.

On 23 January 2024, the Philippine Government hosted a ceremonial dinner to welcome UNSR Khan to the country. The said dinner was held at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila, and was graced by several key officials from various National Government Offices and Agencies.
During the event, it was reiterated that the visit is an opportunity for the Philippines to highlight its unwavering dedication to Media transparency both in the local and international setting.

Further, UNSR Khan expressed that her visit aims to underscore the complexity of freedom of opinion and expression; the spectrum between truth and falsehood; the openness to varying perspectives; and, the vital aspect of having diverse information sources that promotes better understanding of different issues resulting to fair and informed decisions.

On behalf of all Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, the NCIP supports the visit of UNSR Khan to highlight the commitment of the Republic of the Philippines to the right to freedom of opinion and expression of all sectors in general and Indigenous Peoples in particular.

#NCIP #FreedomForward #BagongPilipinas #MediaFreedom #VoicesUnite #IreneKhan #UNSR #FOE