MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended the Philippines’ “exemplary cooperation” and leadership in refugee and statelessness policy and action.
The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva said the UNHCR Commissioner Antonio Gutierres praised the Philippines during the session of the annual meeting of the UNHCR Executive Committee on Oct. 4.
The meeting was held from October 3 to 7 in Geneva.
Gutierres cited the country’s recent ratification of the UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, making the Philippines the only Southeast Asian country to do so thus far.
He also highlighted the strong cooperation between the UNHCR and the Philippine government on response to natural disasters.
During the meeting, Philippine Permanent Representative Evan Garcia emphasized the need to enhance international cooperation, including with the UNHCR, to assist third country nationals and migrant workers caught in crises around the world.
Justice Chief State Counsel Riacardo Paras III gave a presentation on the Philippine government’s policy on refugees and stateless persons.