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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ renews commitment to help refugees in PH

DOJ renews commitment to help refugees in PH

Published May 20, 2025 03:18 pm

The Department of Justice (DOJ) renewed its commitment to help refugees in the Philippines “not because our legal framework dictates it but because our conscience demands it,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said.

“Let us remember: the plight of refugees is a global challenge that calls upon key stakeholders to lead with empathy and action,” Remulla pointed out.

Remulla’s statement was issued on Tuesday, May 20, during the DOJ’s preparation for the celebration and holding of the National Refugee Day on June 20.

Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan, head of the DOJ’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit, said the Philippines currently has a total of 997 refugees who mostly came from Middle East and African countries.

Chan disclosed that there are around 2,000 foreigners, including those from Palestine, who are applying for refugee status in the Philippines.

Remulla said the Philippines has been playing an active role before the international community in helping refugees.

He cited that since the Philippines became a member of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness and its Advisory Committee, it has been supportive of the National Complementary Pathways Gathering and participated in the Asia-Pacific Community of Practice on Education Pathways and the Asia Dialogue on Forced Migration.

The National Refugee Day was established by Presidential Proclamation No. 265, series of 2023 which declared June 20 of every year as a national observance to recognize and strengthen the Philippines’ humanitarian tradition.

“As a State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions, the Philippines remains committed to ensuring protection, inclusion, and opportunities for all forcibly displaced, stateless, and at risk of statelessness individuals,” the DOJ said.

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