Philippines Supports Mainstreaming Human Rights in Humanitarian Actions in ASEAN

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and Temporary Philippine Representative to AICHR Jaime Victor Ledda (top row, right) chairs Session 3: Protection of rights to housing, land, property and education of the AICHR Consultation on Mainstreaming Human Rights in Humanitarian Actions. Assistant Secretary Ledda is joined by panelists Mr. Dino Satria of Save the Children Indonesia (bottom row) and Dr. Matthew Scott of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (top row, left). (Photo courtesy of AICHR)

PASAY CITY, 10 June 2021 – The Philippines chaired the third session of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) focusing on the protection of rights to housing, land, property, and education at the virtual AICHR Consultation on Mainstreaming Human Rights in Humanitarian Actions on 04 June 2021.

Temporary Philippine Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda emphasized the relevance of the discussions, taking into account Southeast Asia’s location within the Pacific Ring of Fire. He highlighted the impact of natural and man-made disasters in the region and noted the session’s contribution to policy formulation, improved planning, and implementation of recovery efforts to mitigate and address the effects of disasters and emergencies. 

The Session underscored the importance of integrating emergency activities in one umbrella, coordinating with the government authorities, sharing best practices in a regional context, and engaging the community around schools are ways to ensure the protection of education of children during emergencies. 

The Consultation on Mainstreaming Human Rights in Humanitarian Actions shared views, learning experiences, and best practices in ensuring the protection of vulnerable sectors in different stages of humanitarian response and assistance. 

Representatives from the ASEAN Sectoral Bodies, relevant agencies of ASEAN Member States, National Human Rights Institutions, International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and experts from the academe attended the Consultation. END