Philippines launches National Refugee Day 2025

During the launch, UNHCR reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring protection, inclusion, and durable solutions for refugees, other forcibly displaced persons, stateless persons and those at risk of statelessness across the Philippines. And while commending the government for its commitment to protecting people affected by forced displacement and statelessness through its pledges to the Global Refugee Forum and High-Level Segment on Statelessness and contributions to the 2030 Agenda of leaving no one behind, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo also called for stronger and inclusive institutional capacities.

“Inclusion means living in safety and dignity—with equal access to health care, education, jobs, housing, and social support, especially in times of hardship. We earnestly urge the President, 20th Congress, and other government partners to honor and fast-track the establishment of the Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Office, as pledged in the Global Refugee Forum… creating a more streamlined and empowered Protection Office.”  

UNHCR is supporting the DOJ-RSPPU-led National Refugee Conference, where representatives from government, the academe, civil society, the private sector, and representatives of the forcibly displaced and stateless or at risk of statelessness are set to engage in critical dialogue on building safe and inclusive spaces in the Philippines. It will also co-organize the 3rd Refugee Film Festival and Short Film Competition, in partnership with the Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit and San Beda University (SBU).   

As with the previous Refugee Film Festivals, a short film competition will also be held to feature works of young filmmakers and advocates from across the country, reflecting the lived realities of displacement, as well as the strength, hope, and solidarity that emerge in the face of adversities.

Ahead of National Refugee Day this year, Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin C. Remulla urged the government to “lead with empathy and action,” emphasizing that despite the challenges faced in these efforts, “we do it not only because our legal framework dictates it but because our conscience demands it.”

This was echoed by Atty. Aristotle Valera, Assistant Secretary for Legal of the Presidential Communications Office, who called upon all government agencies, local government units, civil society, and Filipinos to support National Refugee Day: “In a global landscape marked by challenges, the Philippines has always provided a home for refugees. We must strengthen our shared responsibility in fostering inclusive and resilient communities.” 

Meanwhile, Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin L. Chan shared how this National Refugee Day commemoration will be “the product of the dialogue, collaboration, and support from our partners in various government offices, private sector, international community and the civil society. We continue to welcome this partnership because we know that this is not a solitary endeavor.”

Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres, Presiding Judge for RTC Branch 79 in Morong, Rizal, and a member of the Special Committee on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons, said that the Judiciary continues to be in “solidarity with those who seek safety, dignity, and a place to call home. While the Judiciary only has a few cases involving refugees and stateless persons, it has taken a more proactive and transformative stance, by providing access to justice to the marginalized and vulnerable.” 

Representing the academe, Norielyn Tabag, Director for the Community Engagement Center of SBU, urged “all academic institutions in the Philippines to continue this humanitarian tradition of opening doors… [and expanding] the access of refugees to education and other protective services that will allow refugees to have the opportunity to become productive members of society.” SBU is a partner academic institution under the Philippines’ Complementary Pathways programme and Pathways Pilipinas which has welcomed Rohingya youth to pursue higher education in the country.

The Philippines has long stood as a beacon of protection in the region. As a State Party to 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions, the country continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing rights-based and inclusive approaches to displacement.

Coinciding with the international commemoration World Refugee Day, National Refugee Day is observed every 20 June under Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s. 2023, and forms part of the Philippines’ continuing efforts to strengthen protection and promote durable solutions for people forced to flee and those who are stateless or at risk of statelessness. 

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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 its presence since 1975, 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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