GENEVA (18 January 2024) ̶ The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Irene Khan, will conduct an official visit to the Philippines from 23 January to 2 February 2024.

The Special Rapporteur will assess a range of issues related to the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the legal and policy framework and the safety of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors in the country.

During her visit, Khan will meet with various actors, including officials from the Government, the House of Representatives, the judiciary, independent institutions, the international community, the media, human rights defenders, academia and civil society actors. She will travel to Manila, Cebu, Baguio and Tacloban.

The expert will hold a press conference on Friday 2 February at 12:00 noon local time at the UN House. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur will present her report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2025.