Latest news with #Peral
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
UN to support human rights in PH despite end of joint program
Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident coordinator in the Philippines, clarified that although the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) officially ended on July 31, 2024, the organization's engagement in human rights efforts in the country remains active. The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to monitor and support human rights efforts in the country despite the absence of a joint program with the Philippines. Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident coordinator in the Philippines, clarified that although the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) officially ended on July 31, 2024, the organization's engagement in human rights efforts in the country remains active. 'We don't foresee another one or a new generation of this kind of action,' Peral said, referring to the UNJP. 'But it doesn't mean that the different mechanisms of human rights will no longer continue to monitor what's happening in the Philippines like they do globally.' Peral emphasized that the UN continues to engage with national institutions. 'So it's something that we continue to look at, to listen to, and if we can be of support in certain areas, we will be very pleased to be. We continue to interact also with the different mechanisms of the National Commission on Human Rights,' he said. He also noted the Philippine government's positive response to international human rights mechanisms, particularly the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). 'These are instruments that are extremely important to continue to advance on the human rights commitment of the country,' Peral added. The UNJP, launched in 2021, was a three-year initiative aimed at promoting human rights and protecting human rights defenders. It involved collaboration between the UN and various Philippine agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and the Commission on Human Rights. The program focused on civic space, accountability, and human rights-based approaches to drug control. Despite criticisms over its effectiveness, especially in addressing human rights violations during the Duterte administration's 'war on drugs,' the UNJP laid the groundwork for continued cooperation. Peral said the UN's human rights support is a long-term commitment. 'Everything almost that we do is linked somehow to advancing human rights in the country,' he said. 'We have this connection, we have the instruments, but we don't have the joint program anymore specifically. So our interventions now are more punctual, more in terms of supporting with some trainings or some information sharing.' He also revealed that the UN has been approached by Philippine lawmakers for capacity-building. 'We will have an activity with Congress pretty soon at their request for some trainings on human rights standards for the new Congress. So we continue to be engaged,' Peral told members of the Philippine media, including GMA Integrated News on Thursday. Focus on BARMM and Indigenous Peoples Peral also highlighted the UN's continued support for peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He welcomed the Marcos administration's willingness to keep the UN engaged in the region. While acknowledging progress, Peral said more work is needed. 'It's not yet enough. More has to be done,' he said. BARMM has passed legislation recognizing the ancestral domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), an enhanced version of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA). However, reports of violence and killings against non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) persist. Recently, lawmakers filed a resolution calling for an inquiry into the security situation of NMIPs in BARMM. 'It's something that we will continue to monitor — to see how it works, what works, what doesn't work,' Peral said. 'If need be and if we are requested, we can continue to provide also some advice on how to improve its implementation or improve the legislation. But overall, yeah, we celebrate the fact that at least we have now an instrument that has been put in place.' Philippines' global leadership, strong partnership on sustainable development lauded The United Nations resident coordinator in the Philippines also praised the Marcos administration for its growing leadership role in global governance and its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation, calling the country a 'proactive and supportive partner' in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Peral, highlighted the country's active engagement in international platforms and its increasing contributions to global institutions. 'It's really, really encouraging and we really celebrate… the fact that the Philippines is supporting so much the multilateral agenda,' he said. He cited the Philippines' recent hosting of major international events, including conferences on women, peace and security, disaster risk reduction, and the Middle-Income Countries Global Forum. 'This proactivity, I think, is very good,' he added. Peral also noted the Philippines' growing influence within the UN system. 'The Philippines have joined recently the board of many UN organizations. They are seeking a seat at the Security Council,' he said. He also acknowledged the country's financial support, including a $10 million pledge to the World Health Organization (WHO) at the end of 2024 — an important move as the world prepares for future global health crises. 'This leadership has to be recognized and celebrated,' Peral emphasized. On the domestic front, Peral commended the Philippines for integrating the SDGs into its national development agenda. 'The country has embraced the Sustainable Development Goals, the Agenda 2030. It's part of the National Development Plan's objectives,' he said, adding that this alignment strengthens the UN's cooperation framework for 2024–2028. Peral described the UN's presence in the Philippines as extensive, with 29 UN agencies operating across 60 regions. 'It's a very large ecosystem of work and partnerships — civil society, private sector. We work with almost all government agencies,' he explained. 'So it makes the governance also of our work better.' To ensure alignment with national priorities, the UN participates in a government-led steering committee that meets regularly with top officials, including the secretaries of Foreign Affairs. 'We sit… two or three times a year, but also at technical level, more than that, to review what we are doing… and how it aligns and supports the national priorities,' Peral said. With the midterm review of the National Development Plan underway, the UN has been asked to contribute insights and recommendations. 'We want to put everything at the service of the country… These are capacities that sometimes help solve bottlenecks, accelerate results, or reorient legislation or public policies to make them more efficient,' Peral said. He concluded on a hopeful note: 'The relationship is really, really productive. So I think we are going in the right direction.' — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
UN urges stronger HIV response as cases among Filipino youth surge by 500%
Amid a staggering 500% increase in HIV cases among young Filipinos, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippine government in addressing what is now being considered a national public health emergency. Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in HIV infections, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 25. 'We have been expressing concern for quite some time about the increasing numbers,' Peral said, noting that the UN, through its joint program UNAIDS and agencies like UNFPA and UNICEF, has been working closely with the Philippines' health department. According to the DOH, over 6,700 new HIV cases were recorded from January to April 2025, averaging 56 new cases daily. This marks a 44% increase from the same period last year, with youth accounting for the bulk of new infections Peral acknowledged the limitations in international funding but emphasized that the Philippines has been receiving support through mechanisms like the Global Fund. 'The resources from the international community are limited, but we have been accessing the Global Fund for the Philippines for a few years,' he said. As the country approaches the mid-term review of its national development plans, Peral stressed the importance of reassessing current strategies. 'The scale of the challenge is also challenging us—to unpack what it means and establish a proper strategy to address it,' he explained. He confirmed that HIV will be a key priority moving forward, with updated data and strategies to be reflected in the upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 'We will be looking at the latest numbers. That will be published pretty soon in the VNR,' Peral said. 'And definitely on HIV, it's going to be a priority.' The Department of Health has already called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to declare a national public health emergency, citing the Philippines as having the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific region. As the crisis deepens, Peral emphasized the need for a united response: 'We are now reviewing how we can support this strategy and national emergency. The whole of society must come together to address this.' — BM, GMA Integrated News
The Star
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
It's a bit of a joke actually, says Cape Town City coach Diogo Peral about PSL relegation saga
Cape Town City's interim coach Diogo Peral has ridiculed the situation where his team will need to wait until the conclusion of the Golden Arrows and SuperSport United fixture after the conclusion of the regular season to have their Betway Premiership fate decided. City finished on 27 points after a goalless draw against Western Cape neighbours Stellenbosch FC on Saturday at the DHL Stadium. But despite being a point above the relegation zone, they will only know whether they will contest the playoffs after Arrows and SuperSport, who trail City by a point, play 45 minutes of a fixture that was stopped due to loadshedding back in February already. 'The reason these games are all played at the same time is so that teams don't get to choose the result they want,' Peral said. 'The very reason those games are to avoid this and then on top of it it's the two teams that are fighting relegation that get to play against each other. 'So, it's a bit of a joke actually, but it is what it is and if we start with all the theories and all the negatives, it's not going to help us in the next game.' Peral has adopted a pragmatic approach to the unique scenario facing his team and has already instructed his support staff to prepare his team to contest the playoffs. 'The only thing we can do is what's in our hands and what's in our hands is to forget about all that and to go and prepare as well as we can, like we've been preparing for the last few games we've played,' he said. 'We're planning for the play-offs, watching the opposition we'll be coming up against, and we've already travelled to watch some of their games, so the planning is well on the way already. 'If something else happens, then so be it – great, but we'll be at training... One day off and then the boys will be back at training [on Monday],'
IOL News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
It's a bit of a joke actually, says Cape Town City coach Diogo Peral about PSL relegation saga
Interim head coach of Cape Town City Diogo Peral. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Cape Town City's interim coach Diogo Peral has ridiculed the situation where his team will need to wait until the conclusion of the Golden Arrows and SuperSport United fixture after the conclusion of the regular season to have their Betway Premiership fate decided. City finished on 27 points after a goalless draw against Western Cape neighbours Stellenbosch FC on Saturday at the DHL Stadium. But despite being a point above the relegation zone, they will only know whether they will contest the playoffs after Arrows and SuperSport, who trail City by a point, play 45 minutes of a fixture that was stopped due to loadshedding back in February already. 'The reason these games are all played at the same time is so that teams don't get to choose the result they want,' Peral said. 'The very reason those games are to avoid this and then on top of it it's the two teams that are fighting relegation that get to play against each other. 'So, it's a bit of a joke actually, but it is what it is and if we start with all the theories and all the negatives, it's not going to help us in the next game.' Peral has adopted a pragmatic approach to the unique scenario facing his team and has already instructed his support staff to prepare his team to contest the playoffs. 'The only thing we can do is what's in our hands and what's in our hands is to forget about all that and to go and prepare as well as we can, like we've been preparing for the last few games we've played,' he said. 'We're planning for the play-offs, watching the opposition we'll be coming up against, and we've already travelled to watch some of their games, so the planning is well on the way already. 'If something else happens, then so be it – great, but we'll be at training... One day off and then the boys will be back at training [on Monday],'
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Cape Town City boost survival hopes, but derby 'war' against Stellenbosch waiting in the wings
Interim head coach of Cape Town City Diogo Peral hopes their recent win over Polokwane City will be enough to save them from the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs. Photo Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Cape Town City's caretaker coach Diogo Peral expressed a mixture of relief and determination following his team's commendable 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Polokwane City, on a challenging day for the players. Describing Saturday's encounter as 'a difficult game' at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium – known for its tough atmosphere – Peral acknowledged the significance of the win in the context of the club's relegation battle. City had not tasted victory since 17 January, when they defeated Richards Bay FC at Cape Town Stadium. Since then, they had suffered nine league defeats and drawn four times in 13 matches. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'These are the kind of hard-fought battles we need to face,' said Peral, who recorded his first win since taking over from Muhsin Ertugral in March. 'If it's the play-offs and this is the kind of performance away from home, then this will get us through.' His comments highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by City in the second half of the Premiership campaign. He suggested that, had this level of commitment been shown earlier in the season, the club might not be in this precarious position. He praised his players for adapting their style of play, saying: 'They know that this is what they must do now, especially in the battles we are going into. They played a game they don't really like to play, but they know this is what's required now.' This emphasis on adaptation and resilience may prove to be a crucial catalyst in their bid to remain in South Africa's top flight. 'Whether this is enough to save us from the play-offs or not, who knows?' he added. Three points on the road, and focus shifts to next Saturday ✅ A 𝒃𝒊𝒈 week lies ahead #iamCityFC — Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) May 18, 2025 City will be holding their breath in the battle for Premiership survival as they prepare for next week's final match of the season. The team cannot rely solely on their own performance; in addition to securing a possible win, they need favourable results in other matches involving relegation-threatened sides to go their way before their fate is sealed. The bad news for City is that they face in-form Western Cape neighbours Stellenbosch FC at Cape Town Stadium. Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker has already fired the opening salvo ahead of the derby, following his side's 2-1 win over SuperSport United at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday. Looking ahead to the Mother City derby, Barker said: 'It's going to be war out there.' Stellenbosch warmed up for the showdown by reclaiming third place on the Betway Premiership table with their weekend victory. Will City rise to the occasion, or will they hear the telltale sound of the play-offs' trapdoor opening beneath them?
