DOJ commemorates National Refugee Day
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday launched an event in commemoration of National Refugee Day in June, saying it is reaffirming its commitment in aiding refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons in the Philippines.
The event was attended by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, DOJ Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit head Dennis Arvin Chan, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary for Legal Aristotle Valera, UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, and Syrian refugee Abdulkarim Alhalabi.
'As the Secretary of Justice, I pledge to further strengthen our systems, expand our partnerships, and uphold the rights of all persecuted people who seek asylum,' Remulla said in his speech.
'Let the upcoming National Refugee Day renew our commitment to compassion, to inclusion, and to justice, as this is not merely an act of policy, but an act of solidarity,' he added.
The DOJ said that the week of National Refugee Day will open with a Blue Monday commemoration, followed by a National Refugee Conference.
Other activities that will take place in the week include:
• PhilSys Registration Day in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority;
• Solidarity Bazaar featuring refugee-led businesses;
• 3rd Refugee Film Festival and Solidarity Football Match in partnership with UNHCR Philippines, Football for Humanity, and San Beda University; and
• Orientation on Local Integration and an information session on facilitated naturalization for newly recognized refugees.
According to the DOJ, Presidential Proclamation No. 265, s.2023 declaring June 20 of every year National Refugee Day. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA Integrated News
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