respect for, and the observance of, human rights." Thus, the UDHR is merely a declaration for each signatory to adopt to its own political system. The significance of the UDHR as stated in its Preamble is: "Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge."As a signatory to the UDHR, the Philippines then declares an understanding and adherence of these fundamental and inalienable rights to its population. The Philippines has adhered to the UDHR through the Bill of Rights, and continued to create laws and policies that cater to a specific sector, like the Labor Code and the Indigenous Peoples' Rights. Besides the UDHR, the Philippines is a signatory to 8 of the 9 UN core human rights treaties, namely: The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination or (ICERD), ratified on September 15, 1967, The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights or (ICESR), ratified on June 7, 1974, The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women or (CEDAW), ratified on August 05, 1981, The Convention Against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment or (CAT), acceded to on June 18, 1986, The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights or (ICCPR), ratified on October 23, 1986, The Convention on the Rights of the Child or (CRC), ratified on August 21, 1990, The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families or (CMW), ratified on July 5, 1995, and; The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities or (CRPD), ratified April 15, 2008 Mainly highlighting achievements with respect to UN human rights treaties, the Philippines was re-elected through the vote of 165 separate States out of 192 to the exclusive 47-member UN Human Rights Council during the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly on October 12, 2018. See also Extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Philippines LGBT rights in the Philippines Women's rights in the Philippines Security sector governance and reform in the Philippines References