Stronger legal aid for refugees and stateless persons secured with renewal of UNHCR, Philippine Public Attorney’s Office partnership
Stronger legal aid for refugees and stateless persons secured with renewal of UNHCR, Philippine Public Attorney’s Office partnership
The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between UNHCR and the Public Attorney's Office strengthens the commitment to provide vital legal assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and those at risk of statelessness in the Philippines.
The signing ceremony marks a renewed commitment to safeguard the rights of those seeking protection, reinforcing the Philippines' dedication to fulfilling its international obligations toward those forcibly displaced, stateless, and at risk of statelessness.
UNHCR and PAO formalize their renewed partnership, ensuring that refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals and those at risk of statelessness in the country continue to receive free legal aid and representation.
UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo shares that the renewal demonstrates the level of commitment from both UNHCR and PAO in ensuring refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons in the country are not left behind.
Chief Public Attorney Rueda-Acosta emphasizes the significance of free legal assistance and court representation for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and those at risk of statelessness.
State Counsel Suarez highlights the importance of free legal aid so that refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons can access justice.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) of the Republic of the Philippines have renewed for the sixth time their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue their efforts of providing free legal assistance, counselling, and representation to refugees, stateless persons, and individuals seeking recognition as refugees or stateless persons in the Philippines and populations at risk of statelessness.
The renewal of the MOU further solidifies the partnership and highlights the importance of cooperation between national institutions and international organizations in safeguarding the rights of those experiencing forced displacement and statelessness. This long-term commitment ensures the continuation of a vital service that has been transformative in the lives of those seeking protection.
“The MOU between PAO and UNHCR is more than a piece of paper. It is a living document that ensures protection of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons by providing them immediate and free legal assistance and court representation,” emphasized Dr. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, Chief Public Attorney.
"Legal aid is fundamental to access to justice,” maintained State Counsel Melvin Suarez who spoke on behalf of Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan, Head of the Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU). “Indeed, this event is a step forward in the continuous fulfillment of the Philippines’ pledges under the Global Refugee Forum and High-Level Segment on Statelessness.”
First established in 2013, the partnership has been globally recognized through the Asylum Capacity Support Group as a best practice for state-led legal assistance for refugees and stateless individuals, ensuring that the rights of those seeking protection are respected. Furthermore, it has been instrumental in ensuring that those seeking protection in the Philippines have access to the legal support they need, especially for those who face complex challenges in their pursuit of safety and belonging.
“This renewal is a clear sign of the steadfast commitment from both UNHCR and PAO to continue in our shared mission,” said Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of the National Office of UNHCR in the Philippines. “This shift represents not only the continued resilience of our partnership but also the long-term vision we have for the future of refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons in the Philippines—ensuring they live in safety, with dignity, and with the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
Valdeavilla-Gallardo also reaffirmed the commitment of UNHCR in the efforts to strengthen the collaboration with PAO and noting that the agency will continue to “work closely with the government, the people that we work with and for, all of the stakeholders, to ensure that the most vulnerable are always included—that they are always consulted, supported and protected.”
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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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