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Advocates Philippines
Senator Imee Marcos Seeks Clarification On PH Taking Afghan Refugees
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Imee R. Marcos, chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Relations, convened a committee inquiry on June 16, 2023, to seek clarification from officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding the United States' (US) decision to temporarily house Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants from Afghanistan in the Philippines.
During the inquiry, Senator Marcos raised the question of why the US chose the Philippines instead of considering US territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, or Guantanamo for hosting the Afghan visa applicants. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo responded by emphasizing the Philippines' status as a partner and a treaty ally of the US, as well as the country's long-standing tradition of providing humanitarian assistance.
Joining the call for assistance to Afghan individuals affected by the ongoing crisis, Senator Francis N. Tolentino, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, expressed his support for the Philippine government's initiative. He emphasized the need for swift actions to provide temporary refuge and support to those seeking safety and stability, in line with the country's commitment to human rights and international solidarity.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has led to widespread suffering, displacement, and uncertainty for countless innocent civilians. Senator Tolentino stressed the importance of demonstrating shared humanity by assisting those fleeing violence and persecution. He underscored the urgency of providing sanctuary to innocent lives caught in prolonged conflict and war.
As part of its commitment to upholding human rights, Senator Tolentino highlighted the Philippines' duty to render assistance to displaced persons under international law and treaties. He mentioned three key legal documents to which the Philippines is a signatory: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Philippines has ratified these international agreements, which safeguard the rights of individuals seeking asylum and protect refugees from refoulement. Additionally, Tolentino referenced Executive Order No. 163, "Institutionalizing Access to Protection Services for Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers," which further strengthens the country's legal framework and institutionalizes access to protection services for persons of concern.
Recalling the Philippines' history of extending humanitarian aid and hospitality to foreign nationals in need, Senator Tolentino mentioned instances where the country provided refuge to Jewish refugees during World War II and Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War. He also highlighted the recent assistance offered to Rohingya refugees under former President Duterte's administration, emphasizing the need to extend the same spirit of empathy and solidarity to Afghan individuals.
Senator Tolentino emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive support system for Afghan individuals during their temporary stay in the Philippines. This includes access to temporary shelter, food supply, and healthcare. He reassured the public that the relocation programs for Afghan war-affected individuals would be temporary and carefully screened to prioritize those most in need.
By collaborating with international organizations and other countries on temporary resettlement programs, the Philippines can enhance its efforts to provide a haven for vulnerable individuals. Such cooperation will also strengthen the country's role as a global advocate for human rights. Senator Tolentino believes that opening doors to Afghan war-affected individuals, even on a temporary basis, will provide them with valuable opportunities to rebuild their lives.
As the inquiry continues, Senator Imee R. Marcos and Senator Tolentino remain committed to exploring the best course of action in response to the proposed hosting of Afghan visa applicants in the Philippines. The government's decision will reflect the nation's enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance and international solidarity.
During the inquiry, Senator Marcos raised the question of why the US chose the Philippines instead of considering US territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, or Guantanamo for hosting the Afghan visa applicants. DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo responded by emphasizing the Philippines' status as a partner and a treaty ally of the US, as well as the country's long-standing tradition of providing humanitarian assistance.
Joining the call for assistance to Afghan individuals affected by the ongoing crisis, Senator Francis N. Tolentino, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, expressed his support for the Philippine government's initiative. He emphasized the need for swift actions to provide temporary refuge and support to those seeking safety and stability, in line with the country's commitment to human rights and international solidarity.
The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has led to widespread suffering, displacement, and uncertainty for countless innocent civilians. Senator Tolentino stressed the importance of demonstrating shared humanity by assisting those fleeing violence and persecution. He underscored the urgency of providing sanctuary to innocent lives caught in prolonged conflict and war.
As part of its commitment to upholding human rights, Senator Tolentino highlighted the Philippines' duty to render assistance to displaced persons under international law and treaties. He mentioned three key legal documents to which the Philippines is a signatory: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The Philippines has ratified these international agreements, which safeguard the rights of individuals seeking asylum and protect refugees from refoulement. Additionally, Tolentino referenced Executive Order No. 163, "Institutionalizing Access to Protection Services for Refugees, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers," which further strengthens the country's legal framework and institutionalizes access to protection services for persons of concern.
Recalling the Philippines' history of extending humanitarian aid and hospitality to foreign nationals in need, Senator Tolentino mentioned instances where the country provided refuge to Jewish refugees during World War II and Vietnamese refugees following the Vietnam War. He also highlighted the recent assistance offered to Rohingya refugees under former President Duterte's administration, emphasizing the need to extend the same spirit of empathy and solidarity to Afghan individuals.
Senator Tolentino emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive support system for Afghan individuals during their temporary stay in the Philippines. This includes access to temporary shelter, food supply, and healthcare. He reassured the public that the relocation programs for Afghan war-affected individuals would be temporary and carefully screened to prioritize those most in need.
By collaborating with international organizations and other countries on temporary resettlement programs, the Philippines can enhance its efforts to provide a haven for vulnerable individuals. Such cooperation will also strengthen the country's role as a global advocate for human rights. Senator Tolentino believes that opening doors to Afghan war-affected individuals, even on a temporary basis, will provide them with valuable opportunities to rebuild their lives.
As the inquiry continues, Senator Imee R. Marcos and Senator Tolentino remain committed to exploring the best course of action in response to the proposed hosting of Afghan visa applicants in the Philippines. The government's decision will reflect the nation's enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance and international solidarity.
Jun 17, 2023
