Philippines Shares Vision for Solidarity in Global Humanitarian Action
Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla delivers the Philippines' national statement during the 73rd Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 10 October 2022 – The Philippines highlighted the importance of people-centered and cohesive global humanitarian action in providing international protection and durable solutions for persons of concerns, during the 73rd Session of the Executive Committee organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) currently being held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on 10 to 14 October 2022.
The Philippine delegation was led by Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla, who urged for solidarity in responding to humanitarian crises, including through scaling-up support for the UNHCR. He encouraged the building of a humanitarian ecosystem that has strong synergies across all levels and with support from all stakeholders.
“It is imperative that we must take real action and solid plans, not mere token gestures, to help ensure a better future for the displaced and the most vulnerable, including women and children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous peoples,” the Secretary of Justice emphasized.
“The global humanitarian agenda is, and must be, about people, their well-being, health, livelihood, and basic human dignity,” he added.
The Secretary of Justice also affirmed Philippines’ commitment to continue being an ally and donor to the UNHCR and other humanitarian funds, part of the country’s responsibility as member of the community of nations, and rallied for “middle countries” to become proactive humanitarian champions and agents of change. He emphasized the need for sufficient support for developing countries in addressing climate change, global food crisis, and rising inflation.
The Philippines' experience as a nation of migrants, a land of people on the move, and a safe haven for nine waves of refugees fleeing persecution was also discussed during the session. The Philippine delegation noted that addressing displacement requires political will to end protracted and new crises, as well as comprehensive political solutions to end conflict and build enduring peace.
Secretary Remulla was accompanied by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evan P. Garcia, Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, Department of Justice State Counsel Melvin C. Suarez, Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Director Majella Cristy Pua-Diezmos, and Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN Third Secretary Jet C. Olfato during the session. END
ORIGINAL VERSION
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, 10 October 2022, – The Philippines highlighted the importance of people-centered and cohesive global humanitarian action in providing international protection and durable solutions for persons of concerns, during the 73rd Session of the Executive Committee organized by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) currently being held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on 10-14 October 2022.
The Philippine delegation was led by Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin Remulla, who urged for solidarity in responding to humanitarian crises, including through scaling-up support for the UNHCR. He also encouraged building a humanitarian ecosystem that has strong synergies at the global, regional, and national levels, with support from all stakeholders. He stated that initiatives should be geared towards ensuring a better future for the displaced and the most vulnerable, including women and children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and indigenous peoples.
“The global humanitarian agenda is, and must be, about people, their well-being, health, livelihood, and basic human dignity,“ Secretary Remulla stated.
Secretary Remulla further stated that the Philippines will continue to be an ally and donor to the UNHCR and other humanitarian funds, part of the country’s responsibility as a member of the community of nations. He stressed the need to broaden the base of support beyond traditional donors and traditional hosting countries. He rallied “middle countries” to become proactive humanitarian champions and agents of change.
Secretary Remulla echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call during the UN General Assembly for an international system that must work for the most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants, and refugees. He noted that the Philippine Development Plan provides a clear directive for government agencies to enhance the country’s humanitarian policies and programs.
Secretary Remulla shared the Philippines experience as a nation of migrants, a land of people on the move, and a safe haven for nine waves of refugees fleeing persecution. “Our history is replete with images of our welcoming of refugees from all over the world under our long- standing open-door policy towards displaced people and other persons of concern,” he recalled. “This year, we ratified the 1961 Statelessness Convention, passed the Foundling Act, established an inter-agency body for protection services, and piloted Complimentary Pathways for Rohingyas.”
Finally, Secretary Remulla emphasized that there should be sufficient support for developing countries in addressing climate change, global food crisis, and rising inflation. He also stated that addressing displacement requires political will to end protracted and new crises, as well as comprehensive political solutions to end conflict and build enduring peace.
Secretary Remulla was accompanied by Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evan P. Garcia, Department of Justice Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez, Department of Justice State Counsel Melvin C. Suarez, Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Director Majella Cristy Pua-Diezmos, and Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN Third Secretary Jet C. Olfato.
The 73rd Session of the Executive Committee opened at the Palais des Nations on 10 October 2022, and will run until 14 October 2022. END