CHR lauds PH's policy on refugees, stateless persons, asylum seekers

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the government for its response to the refugee crisis brought about by the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 163.
EO 163 on "Institutionalizing Access to Protection Services for Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers" guarantees the protection of the rights to security, liberty, and mobility of refugees, the CHR said.
It institutionalized the Inter-Agency Committee on the Protection of Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers which is chaired by the secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and with the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as vice chairperson.
Under EO 163, refugees are given access to government programs such as health services, social protection, education, legal assistance, and gainful employment.
"As the country's first policy on refugees that provides benefits beyond entry to the Philippines, EO 163 is considered a milestone document," the CHR said through Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
"The Philippines has always been among the first nations to open its doors to those seeking safe haven from a place of conflict," De Guia stressed.
"It is commendable that the executive order seeks to employ a convergence approach to be able to provide the holistic needs of refugees," she said.
She pointed out that the CHR has stressed that the Philippines has a responsibility to help citizens from other countries that are experiencing humanitarian crises.
In turn, the Philippines can also expect other countries to treat Filipino migrant workers with dignity, compassion, and respect, she added.