PAO, UNHCR ink MOU on refugees' free legal aid

Refugees can now have access to free legal assistance following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which has been signed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

The MOU was signed in Quezon City by Bernard Kerblat, Representative from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and PAO’s Chief Public Attorney Persida V. Rueda Acosta.

Paulito de Jesus, State Counsel from the Dept. of Justice, and Rico Salcedo, Head of the Protection Unit of the UNHCR and other representatives from the legal departments of PAO and UNHCR witnessed the signing event held at a hotel in Quezon City.

Kerblat regarded the Philippines as a “haven for refugees” that have helped save lives of refugees.

Philippines is a “haven for refugees.”

Acosta cited the MOU, pointing that the UNHCR will be funding a series of seminars regarding the principles to be applied regarding refugees and stateless persons that will be conducted beginning next month within the country.

The agreement will create collaboration between PAO and UNHCR that will give refugees and stateless people access to free legal assistance, counseling, and representation in legal matters subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.