Tolentino proposes open door policy for Afghan nationals
Published Jun 16, 2023 07:54 am
Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday, June 16, favors the Philippine government’s initiative to extend temporary refuge to Afghans who have been tragically affected by war.
With a resolute commitment to human rights and international solidarity, Tolentino, vice-chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, called for swift actions, similar to those undertaken during the Quezon and Duterte administrations, to provide temporary refuge and support to vulnerable individuals seeking safety and stability.
The United States has asked the Philippine government for the temporary relocation of Afghan refugees to the Philippines.
The escalating crisis in Afghanistan has resulted in immense suffering, displacement, and uncertainty for countless innocent civilians, Tolentino said.
He emhasized the importance of demonstrating Filipinos’ shared humanity by assisting those fleeing violence and persecution.
Tolentino noted the dire situation of Afghans affected by war that has lasted for more than two decades, such that any chance to remove innocent lives from conflict and war should be pursued compassionately.
As part of the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to uphold human rights, Tolentino stressed the country’s duty to render assistance to displaced persons under international law and treaties.
He mentioned three key legal documents the Philippines has ratified and is a signatory to, including the 1) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); 2) the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol; and 3) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Proclaimed in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly, Article 14 of UDHR safeguards the right to seek and enjoy asylum. In 1981, the Philippines also acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, outlining refugees’ rights with the principle of non-refoulement at the cornerstone.
Lastly, having ratified the ICCPR in October 1986, the Philippines is bound to uphold and protect a broad range of civil and political rights.
Tolentino also mentioned Executive Order 163, entitled “Institutionalizing Access to Protection Services for Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers,” and dated 28 February 2022. Pursuant to E.O.163, the Philippines has taken steps to strengthen the existing legal framework and institutionalized access to protection services for refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers, collectively known as “persons of concern.”
Tolentino recalled that the Philippines has a proud history of extending humanitarian aid and hospitality to foreign nationals in dire need.
The country has welcomed refugees and displaced persons from various corners of the globe, such as Jews, Vietnamese, Syrians, offering them safety and sanctuary..
Through the Philippine Open Door Policy primarily led by former President Manuel L. Quezon, Jewish refugees who were fleeing persecution in Europe found shelter in the Philippines.
Also, following the Vietnam War, the country provided temporary shelter and assistance to Vietnamese refugees before their resettlement in other countries.
Under the administration of former President Duterte, the country recently extended assistance to Rohingya refugees fleeing war and persecution in Myanmar.
Drawing upon this legacy, Tolentino urged the government and fellow Filipinos to exhibit the same spirit of empathy and solidarity towards Afghan individuals who have endured immense hardships.
Tolentino emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system during their temporary stay in the Philippines. This includes access to temporary shelter, food supply, and healthcare, among others.
According to Tolentino, Filipinos have continuously been welcomed to work and live overseas, whether temporarily or permanently.
He assured that the relocation programs extended to Afghan war-affected individuals would be temporary and pre-screened to those most in need.
By working in partnership with international organizations and other countries on temporary resettlement programs, the Philippines could amplify its efforts to provide haven to vulnerable individuals, he pointed out,
Such cooperation will also strengthen the Philippines’ position as an advocate for human rights on the global stage.
Tolentino said opening doors to Afghan war-affected individuals, even for a temporary period, would provide golden opportunities to start rebuilding lives.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, for his part, urged the government to ensure that the country’s national security would not be affected in light of the United States (US) government’s request for the Philippines to temporarily provide shelter for Afghanistan nationals.
In an ambush interview in Quezon City on Thursday, June 15, Go said that as a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and vice chairman of the Senate Defense Committee, he hopes the current Marcos administration would carefully weigh the interest of the Filipino people and, at the same time, employ humanitarian considerations.
“As a vice chairman po ng Senate Defense Committee, it is my interest na anumang arrangement we will have, ‘di dapat malagay sa alanganin ang seguridad ng ating mga kababayan (As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, it is my interest that whatever arrangement we will have, the security of our people should remain intact),” Go said.
“More important nowadays is the security of every Filipino (Importante muna ngayon seguridad ng Pilipino),” the senator stressed.