JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday said the Philippines will remain a sanctuary for refugees who seek safety and protection away from their homeland.
Remulla made the statement as the Department of Justice- Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit spearheaded Tuesday the launch of the 1st National Refugee Day 2024.
“We Filipinos are renowned for our hospitality, and historically, we have extended this especially to vulnerable individuals in need of safety from war and persecution. Through the 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,” Remulla said in his speech at the event attended by officials from the DOJ, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and partner agencies.
“As your Secretary of Justice, I am in solidarity with the country’s strong and storied humanitarian tradition of welcoming those who seek refuge in our homeland, from the time we welcomed the White Russians in World War 1, the Holocaust refugees in World War II, the East Timorese refugees who fled during their struggle for independence, the Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War, and recently, Rohingya people from Myanmar,” he added.
In 2022, Malacanang issued an order institutionalizing access to protection services for refugees, stateless persons and asylum seekers while the Department of Foreign Affairs instructed Philippine diplomatic posts-embassies and consulates-to receive applications of individuals seeking refugee in the country instead of the previous regulation requiring applications be done in person in the country.
In the same year, the Supreme Court also approved the rules facilitating the naturalization of refugees and stateless persons in recognition of the country’s commitments under international law.
Remulla said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains committed to ensuring that refugees are welcome in the country, adding that the government “is intensifying programs for the welfare of refugees and stateless persons.”
“We are also aiming for greater economic inclusion and better legal framework for refugees, stateless persons and other vulnerable groups by enacting more inclusive polices and laws,” the DOJ chief said, adding that these are re-manifestations of the country’s pledges to fulfill its obligations under the Refugee and Statelessness Conventions.
For his part, Chief State Counsel and head of the DOJ-RSPPU Dennis Arvin Chan said yesterday’s launch would pave the way for stronger and more nurturing and inclusive communities in the country that have a better appreciation not only of the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, but their ability to overcome challenges and contribute to society.
