Stronger protection for those internally displaced in Bangsamoro within reach
Stronger protection for those internally displaced in Bangsamoro within reach
MSSD Minister and BIDCC Chairperson Jajurie presents the signed IRR of BAA No. 62 to IDP representatives and fellow IDP protection champions from the BARMM Government, LGUs, civil society organizations, and international organizations.
Johary Ayo, who represented IDPs during the IRR launch, thanked Bangsamoro leaders who pitched in to make the IRR of the BAA No. 62 a reality.
BARMM officials witness the historic signing of the IRR of BAA No. 62, marking a significant step towards its effective implementation.
MSSD Minister and BIDCC Chairperson Jajurie emphasized that the IRR of the BAA No. 62 paves the way towards achieving durable solutions with and for those who face displacement within and outside the Bangsamoro region.
BARMM Chief Minister Ebrahim expressed his support to the IRR of the recently enacted BAA No. 62, issuing a rallying call for the region to work together in institutionalizing comprehensive protection for IDPs.
IDP champions signed the pledge of support during the launching and ceremonial signing of the IRR of the BAA No. 62 for the effective rollout of the law.
Beatriz Yap, IP Mandatory Representative of South Upi who has been actively advocating for IDP protection and durable solutions, is joined by members of the displaced IP women sector during the BAA No. 62 IRR Launch and Ceremonial Signing. South Upi is the first LGU that issued an IDP protection ordinance.
IDP protection champions in the BARMM gave their full support during the launching and ceremonial signing of the IRR of the BAA No. 62.
“When we learned that a law to protect internally displaced persons was being pushed, we were overjoyed,“ said Johary Ayo, giving voice to the internally displaced people from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “And when we heard that the signing was to take place on this date, we knew that we had to come here to witness this milestone.”
On 5 March 2025, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 62 or the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act of 2024 was signed in Cotabato City.
Led by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the signing of the IRR paves the way towards the effective implementation of this rights-based legislation, something that brings hope to Johary and fellow IDPs from Marawi, a place that has experienced prolonged displacement.
“Right now, we continue to face calamities and conflict which trigger displacement. With the implementation of this law, IDPs will be fully supported without discrimination, will receive sufficient and appropriate assistance through the use of enhanced data collection, and finally return to their homes. We envision a region that is free from displacement, where no one will be forced to flee,” he said.
MSSD Minister and Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Internal Displacement Coordinating Council (BIDCC), Raissa H. Jajurie, emphasized that implementation of the law would aid in achieving “durable solutions for those who have long been affected by displacement, both within and outside the Bangsamoro region.”
The signing of the IRR reaffirms the BARMM Government’s commitment to protecting, promoting and upholding the rights of the internally displaced, and facilitating durable solutions for and with Bangsamoro residents displaced inside and outside BARMM and non-Bangsamoro residents displaced in areas within BARMM.
“Displacement has been a painful reality in our homeland. But today, we declare that the Bangsamoro will no longer be a region where displacement defines our people's lives, “said BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim in his keynote message. “Through this law, we institutionalize comprehensive protection—prevention of displacement, humanitarian assistance during displacement, and the pursuit of durable solutions to ensure that every displaced family can rebuild and reclaim their future.”
In line with the Sustainable and Empowering Displacement Solutions for Peace (SEEDS for Peace) Joint Programme of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, considers the adoption of the IRR as a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights of and reinforcing the support framework for and with IDPs in the Bangsamoro region.
UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office, Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, said that the signing of the IRR was “not the end, but the beginning of translating this law into meaningful action. UNHCR Philippines is committed to working alongside the Bangsamoro Government to ensure that these protections are realized, not only within the region but as a model for a national law that can safeguard IDPs across the Philippines.”
UNHCR will continue to work with relevant partners towards ensuring the effective implementation of the IDP Law in the Bangsamoro region.
***
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
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
