Philippines joins calls for solution to global refugee problem

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has joined other member states of the United Nations in calling for increased efforts to address the refugee problem worldwide.

Ambassador Cecilia Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, expressed the Philippines’ commitment to the international community in addressing the plight of refugees worldwide.

Rebong spoke during the general debate of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees 66th session of the Executive Committee on Oct. 7

The Philippines expressed its concern over the increasing number of displaced people around the world, migration crisis and the diminishing availability of solutions to new and ongoing emergencies and protracted refugee situations.  

“My delegation recognized the need for the international community to pursue innovative solutions to make adequate conditions for refugees and for them to return home and restart their lives,” Rebong said.

Despite the humanitarian and financial challenges affecting the country, Rebong said the Philippines continues to do its share in extending protection through the Emergency Transit Mechanism and through funding contributions to UNHCR and to the International Organization for Migration to alleviate the plight of refugees.

UN members and stakeholders are set to adopt the “Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change” during the Nansen Initiative to be held on Oct. 12 and 13 in Geneva.

The Philippines co-chairs with the United States the Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative, which seeks to improve the ability of nations to increase the protection of migrants affected by crisis situations. 

The Philippines, a member of the UNHCR’s Executive Committee, is a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons.

The Executive Committee meets in Geneva annually to review and approve the agency’s programs and budget and discuss other issues with UNHCR and its intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.