Interview: Faydah Dumarpa, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines
World Police Summit Strengthens Bonds Between Global Law Enforcement Leaders
Faydah Dumarpa, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, talks to the World Police Summit about the pivotal role of the World Police Summit in addressing hate crimes, fostering collaboration, and promoting human rights in law enforcement
WPS: In the face of the increasing rise of hate crimes and prejudice particularly in the light of growing sentiments of racial and religious discrimination prevailing among communities and amplified by social media platforms, how can law enforcement agencies effectively mitigate the severity of these issues?
Dumarpa: Hate crimes and prejudice are major issues for law enforcement because of their impact on victims as well as the community. To address these issues, law enforcement agencies may conduct training that ensure that law enforcement officers receive comprehensive training on human rights, non-discrimination, and cultural sensitivity. Moreover, law enforcement agencies must hold its law enforcement officers accountable for any misconduct related to discrimination or hate crimes. It is paramount that law enforcement agencies, as duty bearers, do not violate human rights.
WPS: Can human rights committees play a crucial role by actively contributing to the formulation of legal measures and adopting a specific approach that ensures legal accountability for those who contribute to or incite violence, hatred, and discrimination?
Dumarpa: Yes. The Human rights committees promote the enjoyment of civil and political rights and continue to strive to ensure all the civil and political rights guaranteed by the Covenant can be enjoyed in full and without discrimination, by all people . Having this in mind, human rights committees may encourage State party to maintain in place laws, policies, and practices that explicitly address hate crimes, discrimination, and incitement to violence; to monitor the implementation of State party of laws dealing with hate crimes, discrimination, and prejudice; and to take appropriate positive action when a State party has failed to act to promote and implement existing laws and report on instances of hate crimes and discrimination. Human rights committees may engage with law enforcement agencies to ensure that they are adequately trained and equipped to handle cases involving hate crimes and discrimination. They can promote a rights-based approach with law enforcement.
WPS: What is the importance of organizing the World Police Summit, which brings together experts and specialists in law enforcement from various countries and international organisations? Would you urge other law enforcement agencies to attend it?
Dumarpa: The police summit is a significant event because serves as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaborations between law enforcement agencies and the private sector. One importance of organizing the World Police Summit is the sharing of information on best practices and facilitating networking opportunities among law enforcement professionals. Discussions in the summit may lead into policy development and reforms within law enforcement agencies. In light of these benefits, it would be advisable for law enforcement agencies to consider attending the World Police Summit, especially if the event aligns with their mission and priorities.
WPS: The Summit discusses ways to combat transnational organized crime, which requires strong cooperation and intelligence exchange between countries. What role does the Summit play in cementing the cooperation between global police leaders?
Dumarpa: The World Police Summit, as a platform for sharing best practices and knowledge, will help law enforcement agencies from different parts of the world to cooperate, collaborate, and coordinate efforts to effectively combat and mitigate the impact of transnational organized crime. One of the sessions in the World Police Summit will underline the global best practices by security services in combating organized crime. This knowledge-sharing will help in adopting effective approaches to combat organized crimes.
