a TT)
Ratt. 10 City
RED Sep
Pate: JUN 19 201
“Fanaa Re
By:
‘Autonomous Region in Masi
ional Human Rights Commis
selng Haman Rights
“RHRC Supports RP Policy Safe Haven for Rohingyans.
Calls for Protection of Philippine IDPs”
‘The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) supports the Philippine
government's stand to take in the Rohingya migrants and refugees who have fled
due to poverty in Bangladesh and persecution in Burma.
Article 14 of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights provides, “Everyone
has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”
Rohingyan migrants and refugees have been forced to leave their homes and
are starving, suffering and dying in the middle of the ocean. This presents a strong
view to uphold humanitarian and human rights protection.
‘As astate party to the UN Conventions Relating to the Status of Refugees and
Stateless Persons, the Philippines remains faithful to its commitment of extending
humanitarian assistance to those forced to flee their homes and to its commitment
under Article 3 and 22 of the UN Convention on Rights of a Child (UNCRC) to take
appropriate actions for the protection of the human rights of child-refugees, and to
provide the latter with humanitarian assistance. The Philippines’ act of offering,
shelter to. the Rohingyans despite its own economic struggles is highly
commendable.
As the RHRC commends the President's act of offering temporary shelter to
the Rohingya migrants and refugees, itis also concemed about internal displacement
in the Philippines, which has become a serious protection issue especially in the
‘Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
‘The ARMM has suffered protracted displacement brought about by armed-
conflict. The recent “All Out Offensive Against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters” carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines has once more resulted.
to massive displacement and to the deprivation of human rights and freedoms.
‘The Philippine Government has not provided adequate measures to ensure
that civilians affected by the law enforcement operations are given due care and
attention. This is arbitrary displacement, it is a situation wherein persons or groups
of persons have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of
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