UNHCR Philippines supported DOJ-RSPPU for the launch of the first-ever commemoration of National Refugee Day in the Philippines. The national observance coincides with World Refugee Day, also commemorated every 20 June. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo emphasized the agency’s commitment to support the Philippine Government in its commemoration of National Refugee Day 2024. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez delivered the statement of Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla who emphasized that National Refugee Day shows the country’s strong commitment to its long humanitarian legacy of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
In his opening remarks, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan, Head of the DOJ-RSPPU expressed optimism that National Refugee Day would highlight the inclusive communities in the country. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
De La Salle Brothers, Inc. Deputy Director of the Social Action Unit Andyo Abusmas also shared a solidarity message during the press conference, representing De La Salle Philippines which has accepted Rohingya scholars under the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways (CPath) Programme. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
Presiding Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres of the Morong, Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 79, a member of the Special Committee on the Facilitated Naturalization for Refugees and Stateless Persons, represented the Philippine Judiciary during the press conference. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
Atty. Evangeline Q. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Operations, represented the Presidential Communications Office under the Office of the President. © UNHCR/Christine Carandang
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed the commitment of ownership that was the highlight of the government press launch for the 1st National Refugee Day commemoration in the Philippines for 2024.
“UNHCR has always led in the commemoration of World Refugee Day here in the country, but starting this year we are gladly taking a supporting role so that the Philippine Government can highlight its capabilities and take ownership of this important advocacy,” said UNHCR Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. through the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, declared every 20 June as National Refugee Day, which coincides with World Refugee Day which is observed globally to honour the resilience of people who have been forced to flee due to violence, conflict, or persecution.
Led by the Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), the activity held at the DOJ Hall of Justice on 4 June 2024 provided a venue for the DOJ, Supreme Court, Presidential Communications Office (PCO), UNHCR, and De La Salle Philippines shared statements of solidarity for the forcibly displaced and stateless.
“Through this very first commemoration of National Refugee Day, the Philippines sends a strong message of our commitment to our long humanitarian legacy of opening our doors and providing support to people who have crossed international borders to seek protection,” Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said as part of the statement delivered during the press conference by Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez.
The DOJ-RSPPU announced that they would lead the 1st National Refugee Forum to kick off the activities in the morning of 20 June which will feature discussions on the experience of the forcibly displaced and how inclusive communities stand in solidarity with them and work not only on providing solutions to their displacement but also encourage refugees and stateless persons to contribute to society. This will be followed in the afternoon by the 2nd Refugee Film Festival led by UNHCR in partnership with De La Salle Philippines and the DOJ-RSPPU which will screen films tackling forced displacement and statelessness until 22 June at the Augusto Rosario Gonzalez Theater of the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde in Manila. The week will be capped off on the last day by the awarding of the winners of the Short Film Competition.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan, Head of the DOJ-RSPPU emphasized that 2024 is special for the Philippines as it is the first time that it will commemorate National Refugee Day.
“I hope that the National Refugee Day would pave the way for stronger and more nurturing and inclusive and sustainable communities here in the country – communities that have a better appreciation not only of the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, and populations at risk of statelessness, but their ability to overcome challenges and contribute to society,” he said.
Likewise, the Philippine Judiciary also placed its support behind National Refugee Day. Represented by Presiding Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres of the Morong, Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 79, a member of the Special Committee on the Facilitated Naturalization for Refugees and Stateless Persons, the Supreme Court of the Philippines expressed “its full support to the conduct of the first commemoration of National Refugee Day and in the efforts going beyond it that seek to further strengthen and uphold the favorable protection environment of our country.”
The Supreme Court will also be hosting the Hope Away From Home Traveling Exhibit of UNHCR from 10 to 18 June. The exhibit will then make its way to the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde on 20 June for the 2nd Refugee Film Festival.
“Indeed, National Refugee Day is a milestone and more importantly an opportunity for the Philippine Government to foster greater cooperation and involvement of its agencies and partners in the good work that it is doing in support of the country’s humanitarian tradition of welcoming those who have come to us in search of protection and to gain a new lease in life.”
The launch was also supported by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) under the Office of the President, the Philippine Judiciary, and the De La Salle Philippines.
Atty. Evangeline Q. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Operations represented PCO during the event and said that “President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s unwavering commitment is evidenced by his issuance of Proclamation No. 265 last year. It reflects our nation’s dedication to upholding the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons. Our record and policies underscore the Philippines’ resolve to uphold humanitarian principles and our recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals regardless of nationality or circumstances.”
Mr. Andyo Abusmas, Deputy Director of the Social Action Unit of the De La Salle Brothers, Inc., also expressed support for the joint activities planned for this year and said, “let us remember that every refugee’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of human resilience. By supporting this film festival and competition, we take a step towards a world where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, is seen, heard, and valued.”
The De La Salle Philippines is one of the pioneering educational partners in the country that have opened their doors to select Rohingya youth through the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways Programme.
“With these shared activities for the national and global commemoration that honours refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, populations at risk of statelessness, and the internally displaced, UNHCR remains committed to being here to provide our government partners with capacity building and technical guidance and support, and we remain confident that the Philippines is ready to take charge through National Refugee Day. We hope more host countries will be inspired by the Philippines’ example,” said Valdeavilla-Gallardo.
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ABOUT UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.
In the Philippines, UNHCR has maintained a presence for over 40 years, working on three pillars: providing durable solutions to refugees, ending and reducing statelessness, and empowering displaced families.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Cepeda
External Relations Associate
[email protected]
(02) 88172398
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