PH Reiterates Commitment to Global Humanitarian Agenda 

Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla meets with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi at the UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

GENEVA, 06 October 2022 – The Philippines’ Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla reiterated the country’s commitment to continue the long-standing tradition of contributing to the global humanitarian agenda, in a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Filippo Grandi. 

Secretary Remulla highlighted the Philippines’ resolve to play a constructive role in multilateral humanitarian platforms, including scaling up its engagements with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The Philippines has been a consistent donor and strong supporter of the UNHCR, part of the country’s contribution to burden and responsibility sharing. 

Secretary Remulla shared that Filipino cultural of hospitality shapes the country’s humanitarian policies, having been safe haven for refugees and vulnerable groups for over a century. The Philippines is carrying this tradition forward as it opened its doors to refugees, including women and children, in response to recent humanitarian crises. 

Secretary Remulla and Mr. Grandi discussed the Philippines’ humanitarian priorities and recent initiatives. This year alone, the Philippines has acceded to the 1961 Statelessness Convention, enacted the Foundling Act, established an inter-agency committee to protect persons of concern, and piloted the Complementary Pathways program for Rohingyas. 

Mr. Grandi recognized the many positive gestures from the Philippines, citing that the country has been a good example in the Southeast Asian region. Mr. Grandi reiterated the need for solidarity of the international community in addressing humanitarian challenges, and said that the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can contribute in this regard. 

Secretary Remulla will lead the Philippine delegation in next week’s 73rd session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Program, to be held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on 10-14 October 2022. 

Secretary Remulla was accompanied by Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Undersecretaries Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres and Raul T. Vasquez of the Department of Justice, Director Jesus Enrique G. Garcia II of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Third Secretary Jet C. Olfato of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the UN in Geneva. END