UN expert on internal displacement launches first
official visit to the Philippines
GENEVA (16 July 2015) – United Nations Special Rapporteur
Chaloka Beyani will carry out an official visit to the Philippines from 21 to
31 July 2015 to assess the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in
different regions of the country caused by natural disasters, conflict and
development projects.
“The Philippines has a range of internal displacement
issues, which include those caused in 2013 by the devastation wreaked by
Typhoon Haiyan where significant progress has been made, as well as other
displacement situations where challenges remain to be addressed,” he noted.
“It is my intention to assist in finding solutions as
well as to share experiences with the Government,” said Mr. Beyani, who visits
the country at the invitation of the Government.
The independent expert is mandated by the UN Human Rights
Council to consider the human rights of internally displaced persons in all
regions. An essential element of his work is to visit countries to assess
displacement situations, government responses and to promote implementation of
international standards, including the Guiding Principles for Internal
Displacement*.
“This visit presents a unique opportunity to consult with
the national authorities and other stakeholders on progress in confronting
recent and long-standing displacement challenges, remaining obstacles and
efforts to ensure appropriate and durable solutions for all IDPs,” the Special
Rapporteur stated.
During his ten-day mission, the human rights expert will
visit Manila as well as locations where people have been internally displaced
or are at risk of displacement such as Maguindanao, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and
South Cotabato.
At the end of his visit, Mr Beyani will share his
preliminary findings and recommendations with the media at a press conference
which will be held on 31st July at 12:00 PM. at the New World Hotel, Esperaza
Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati City.
The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive
report at the time of his annual report on his visit to the UN Human Rights
Council in June 2016.
(*) Check the UN Guiding Principles on Internal
Displacement:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/Standards.aspx
ENDS
Mr. Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the
London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the human
rights of internally displaced persons by the Human Rights Council in September
2010. Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/IDPersons/Pages/IDPersonsIndex.aspx
The Special Rapporteurs are part of the Special
Procedures of Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of
independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the
Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address
either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the
world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN
staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any
government or organization, and serve in their individual capacity.
UN Human Rights, Country Page – The Philippines:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/ENACARegion/Pages/AMIndex.aspx
For more information and media requests, please contact
Graham Fox (+41 22 917 9640 / gfox@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org
For media inquiries related to other UN independent
experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917
9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)
UN Human Rights, follow us on social media:
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Check the Universal Human Rights Index:
http://uhri.ohchr.org/en
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