PH Statement in the Nansen Initiative Global Consultations

13-14 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 firsthand 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.
PHs 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.