PH Statement in the Nansen Initiative Global Consultations13-14 October 2015

The Philippines expresses its thanks to Norway and Switzerland for initiating the Nansen Intiative (NI). As a Steering group member of the Initiative and host to the regional consultations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has witnessed first-hand the dedication and hard work exerted by the Envoy of the Chairmanship, Professor Walter Kaelin, and the NI Secretariat in coming up with the draft Protection Agenda document after undertaking such extensive consultations from various parts of the globe. Recognition and Support for the draft Protection Agenda

The overwhelming attendance to this Global Consultation is a strong testament as to how the Initiative has worked towards putting disaster displacement at the forefront of national issues of most States. The Philippine recognizes the risks involved and supports the vision expressed in the draft Protection Agenda.

PH’s active engagement in addressing displacement in the context of natural disasters, including climate change

The Philippines regularly deals with disasters brought about by climate change. Typhoon Haiyan was one such example in 2013. Its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law, was in place but the scale of the disaster simply overwhelmed whatever mechanisms were in place at that time. Since then, the Philippines has undertaken massive preparedness measures, even enforcing massive evacuation efforts, to save lives. The Philippines’ record in 2014 was a demonstration of how investments in preparedness can result to minimal casualties. The outcomes have contributed to a shift in the mindset of average Filipinos. Passage of IDP Bill in the Philippines

The aftermath of natural disasters and armed conflict in the Philippines has pushed the Philippines’ legislative chamber to undertake extensive consultations for the passage of a law that will govern the treatment and protection of internally displaced persons or IDPs. If passed, the Philippines will be among three countries which would have a special law addressing the needs of IDPs.

Support for States and regional organizations

The Philippines recognizes that not all States may have the necessary framework to address disaster displacement across borders. Hence, the Philippines calls on the international community to provide capacity-building support to vulnerable and receiving States as well as regional organizations such as ASEAN, which has budding institutions and mechanisms, i.e., ASEAN

Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center and the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), to develop and adopt appropriate policies, laws and regulations to realize the goals of the Protection Agenda. Nevertheless, the Philippines looks forward to a State-led process as a follow-up to the Nansen Initiative and calls on other Member States to pursue this vision with the support of IOM, UNHCR and other stakeholders.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, thank you.