John Key must raise human rights abuses with President of Philippines

Prime Minister John Key must ensure that human rights are firmly part of the agenda for discussion with the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino, the Green Party said today.

"When the Prime Minister meets with President Aquino today, he must make sure that he challenges him to improve human rights for all of his citizens," said Green Party spokesperson for human rights Jan Logie.

"The Philippine Government must stop sanctioning the extra-judicial killings that have become routine. Over 100 killings have taken place since President Aquino came to power in 2010.

"Thirteen environmentalists have been murdered under President Aquino's watch for opposing destructive mining activity. These include indigenous Filipinos trying to save their ancestral homelands.

"We need to ensure that, as trade and other links open up between New Zealand and the Philippines, that New Zealand companies do not become complicit in the human rights abuses that are commonplace in the Philippines.

"During a 2007 visit to New Zealand by then-President Arroyo, pressure from Helen Clark's Government helped to ensure that Pastor Berlin Guerrero was freed from unjust military detention. We need to put pressure on again to put an end to the more than 100 extra-judicial killings that have taken place since President Aquino came to power in 2010."