“I am excited to receive my birth certificate through the initiative providing free birth registration in the Bangsamoro region. Not having a birth certificate poses challenges to my dream of continuing my education. I almost did not make it to this event because I was asked to produce my birth certificate at the airport.”
Fifteen-year-old Johana Macasindil, an unregistered child from Buadiamaloy village in the town of Masiu in Lanao del Sur, had this to share as one of several individuals at risk of statelessness who traveled all the way to Manila from various points of the Philippines for the culminating event of the National Action Plan to End Statelessness.
In a span of 10 years, the Philippines has made great strides towards addressing statelessness through the National Action Plan to End Statelessness, an approach that leverages efforts from the government and civil society.
On the 10th year of the plan, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in collaboration with partners from the Philippine Government gathered relevant stakeholders to take stock of what has been accomplished and look towards future efforts to sustain and further strengthen collaboration.
Aside from Johana, Ramil Felino, a foundling who now hopes to soon get hold of his birth certificate following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11767 or the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, and Jose Takei, a person of Japanese descent who seeks recognition on his parentage from the Japanese Government, were also in attendance.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan, Head of the Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU) recognized the dedication of Government agencies and civil society in carrying out the action points laid out by the plan and called for continued commitment to the ongoing efforts.
“We are here tonight not only to highlight the progress we have made but also to recommit ourselves to the shared commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Statelessness remains a significant issue that continues to strip vulnerable and marginalized individuals of their rights. It is our responsibility to maintain our efforts, as doing so sends a powerful message that these individuals belong,” he said.
The Philippines is the 78th State to accede to the 1961 Convention and remains the first and only country in the Asia-Pacific region to have acceded to both Statelessness Conventions. Developed in 2015 by the Philippine Government, the plan aligns with the State’s commitment to the Statelessness Conventions and the Global Action Plan to End Statelessness and recommended seven (7) action points to be undertaken.
A series of videos were produced and showcased during the gathering, highlighting the milestones and achievements under the plan.
Guests included Senator Robinhood Padilla who urged the Philippine Government to provide support to the forcibly displaced and stateless as it is an obligation of the State mandated by the Constitution.
Speaking on behalf of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs – United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO), Director Janice Sanchez-Rivera said that she was “confident that we have found the righteous path towards achieving the common and vital interest of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to belong to a society that respects their rights and dignity.”
“Through the National Action Plan, we have seen the collaborative efforts from government agencies, civil society organizations, and United Nations agency partners – working together to resolve existing cases, prevent future instances of statelessness, and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations. This culmination activity is not only a celebration of the milestones that we have reached, but also an opportunity to reflect on the way forward.”
Looking towards the future from the culmination of the plan, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to address statelessness through its continued implementation of the NAP to End Statelessness in line with its goal to actively pursue initiatives not only at the country level but also globally. This will be done through its membership to the Global Alliance to End Statelessness and its role as the first State to formally be part of the Solutions Seeker Programme. Through this new role, the Philippines will support countries, and Regional Intergovernmental Organizations realize and achieve their pledges to address statelessness. Furthermore, the Philippines has also been chosen as part of the Global Alliance’s Advisory Committee, a body that provides strategic guidance to the Alliance’s strategy, priorities, and other initiatives.
“The National Action Plan has been our map, guiding us to this point. Now, we must transform this plan into enduring systems and solutions. The commitment to the Global Alliance to End Statelessness is a pledge to deepen protection, address emerging challenges, and ensure that no one is left behind,” said UNHCR Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.
“As we look to the future, let us remember: this work is not about documents or laws alone. It is about restoring humanity, ensuring that every child, every person, has the chance to say: Ako ay Pilipino. Ako ay kabilang, Ako ay may pagkakakilanlan.”
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ABOUT UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.
In the Philippines, UNHCR has maintained a presence for over 40 years, working on providing durable solutions to refugees, ending and reducing statelessness, and empowering displaced families.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Cepeda
External Relations Associate
[email protected]
(02) 88172398
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