United Nations in Philippines

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16 May 2022

UN Philippines takes part in review of aviation security in anti-terrorism programme

08 April 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez on the Recovery Support System for Persons who Use Drugs and with Drug Use Disorders In Jails and Prisons

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Speech

07 April 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez at the Asia-Pacific Science and Technology Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

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Latest

Story

16 May 2022

UN Philippines takes part in review of aviation security in anti-terrorism programme

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Speech

08 April 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez on the Recovery Support System for Persons who Use Drugs and with Drug Use Disorders In Jails and Prisons

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Speech

07 April 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez at the Asia-Pacific Science and Technology Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

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The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines. Data in this section is currently being updated and under review.

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06 April 2021

The United Nations in the Philipines - Get information on Resident Agencies in the country

The UN Country Team (UNCT) in the Philippines consists of eleven resident funds, programmes, and specialized agencies (FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, WFP, and WHO), six project offices (UNAIDS, UNESCO, UN Habitat, UNODC, UNOPS, UN Women), and three secretariat offices (OCHA, UNIC and UNDSS). Standing invitees are ADB, IMF, and the World Bank. The UN assists and supports the Government of the Philippines in its important development, peacebuilding and humanitarian priorities. Check out their websites for more information: FAO ILO IOM OCHA UN-Habitat UNAIDS UNDP UNFPA UNHCR UNICEF UNIDO UNOPS WFP WHO

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08 May 2020

A coordinated response to coronavirus

See how UN resident agencies in the Philippines are responding to COVID-19 FAO ILO IOM OCHA UN-Habitat UNAIDS UNDP UNFPA UNHCR UNICEF UNIDO UNOPS WFP WHO The global UN response to COVID-19 On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.” The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans. This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak. Response and Recovery Fund “COVID-19 is the greatest test that we have faced together since the formation of the United Nations,” said Secretary-General António Guterres. “This human crisis demands coordinated, decisive, inclusive and innovative policy action from the world’s leading economies –and maximum financial and technical support for the poorest and most vulnerable people and countries.” The United Nations system—and its global network of regional, sub-regional and country offices working for peace, human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action, will support all governments and partners through the response and recovery. To that end, the Secretary-General has established a dedicated COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to support efforts in low- and middle-income countries. Its approach underpins the reformed UN with a coordinated multi-agency, multi-sectoral response for priority national and local actions to address the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. It will count on the country leadership of Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams in swiftly supporting and enabling governments in this crisis, and recovery.To view the latest updates, facts and figures, please visit the UN COVID-19 Multi-Partner Trust Fund Portal. To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit: WHO's coronavirus portal WHO's guidance for countries UN's coronavirus portal Latest news on the UN's response Frequently asked questions How to protect yourself Coronavirus situation dashboard Philippines situation reports

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16 May 2022

UN Philippines takes part in review of aviation security in anti-terrorism programme

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Gustavo Gonzalez, gave the following message at the first ever in-person meeting of the Anti-Terrorism Council – Program Management Center (ATC-PMC), to undertake a review of the Threat Assessment Model for Aviation Security, or “TAM Programme”. Mr. Gonzalez's full remarks are found below: Dear Colleagues and Partners, I would first like to express my appreciation to the Anti-Terrorism Council–Program Management Center for hosting these Review Board proceedings. I would also like to thank each of you here for joining us today. Your presence reinforces our collective commitment to the Threat Assessment Model for Aviation Security, or “TAM Programme”. This is in fact the first-ever face-to-face TAM Programme Review Board meeting in the Philippines. Which is an indicator of important progress in fighting the unprecedented pandemic. On this occasion, I would like to highlight few points: First, today, you will hear about the progress made since the launch of the collaboration between the Government of the Philippines and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. We will outline key recommendations on how to enhance cooperation on threats to civil aviation, which were prepared by the Integrated Project Team - at the helm of which is the Anti-Terrorism Council-Programme Management Center, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Office of Transportation Security. Secondly, the TAM Programme aims to establish connectivity between the counterterrorism and aviation security communities at the national level. This will have structural impacts - notably a tailored framework for enhanced interagency cooperation and coordination. This approach was developed in close collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and draws on expertise from the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well as INTERPOL. Thirdly, ongoing UNOCT capacity building and technical assistance is contributing to the TAM programme through broader programmatic work on the use of passenger data to enhance detection capabilities and counter terrorist movements. The experience in counter-terrorism shows that strong, just and accountable institutions – as reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 16 – are a pre-requisite for States to deny terrorists the space to operate, bring them to justice and provide security to their populations. Lessons learned also show that protecting and promoting human rights, including gender equality, is not an operational or strategic impediment. It is a requirement for successful counter-terrorism. It means embedding gender equality and non-discrimination principles and respecting the right to privacy. It means upholding the rule of law, including fair trial standards, for everyone and at all times. On behalf of the UN and the United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism, it will be our pleasure to explore how, after completion of this project, we can enhance the role of the Government of Philippines as a role model for other Member States undertaking similar efforts. The United Nations system will continue to be your close partner at this pivotal moment for pandemic recovery, counter-terrorism and our efforts to build a future of peace and dignity for all. Maraming salamat po.

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25 March 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines; Shelter and relocation; alternative livelihood and WASH top priority among the displaced 100 days after Typhoon Rai/Odette

Today we commemorate 100 days on after the Typhoon Rai locally known as Odette, swept through 11 of the country’s 17 regions on 16 and 17th December 2021. In partnership with the government, non-governmental organizations and the UN agencies, I recently undertook a midterm review to take stock of the response and the remaining gaps and I wish to commend partners and the Filipinos on the pace of the progress and their resilience in the face of this devastating typhoon. During the stocktaking process, we were able to witness a coordinated and timely cross-cutting response to the immediate humanitarian needs in the areas of intervention (Caraga and Southern Leyte), particularly in the provision of food to the most vulnerable people, provision of safe water and sanitation facilities and hygiene services, access to health care services, including to sexual reproductive health (SRH) , and provision of emergency shelter materials, such as tents and tarpaulin to the hundreds of thousands affected by Typhoon Rai/Odette. Despite the efforts and progress made, tens of thousands are still without adequate shelter 100 days after the disaster. The need for durable shelter for millions of people whose homes were damaged or destroyed is critical. Currently over 31,000 people are still displaced with some still living in evacuation centers and others with relatives. Support to livelihood recovery, especially for those dependent on agricultural land and fishing also remains a key priority. Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) was also identified as a priority sector. As response turns to early recovery, good practices in responding to the impacts of Typhoon Rai have been adopted. These include a) partners coming up with innovative ways in helping communities – an example is the women’s health on wheels (WHoW), a mobile maternity health facility designed to support pregnant women’s health and sexual reproductive health and gender-based violence. b) Partnerships across the spectrum have been strengthened, particularly through greater localization of humanitarian action with the UN agencies working hand-in-hand with local NGOs and c) Community engagement mechanisms have been quickly rolled out, ensuring accountability to affected people with feedback from communities collected and addressed. The midterm review also identified concerns related to the durable resettlement of some families within the context of the “No Build Zone” policy as well as on reconstruction investments in heavily hit areas. With the backing of the Humanitarian Country Team, these issues will be part of my discussions with key government representatives and development partners to jointly explore durable solutions that preserve the dignity of most vulnerable people affected by the typhoon. With the effects of climate change being experienced world over, cyclones and other storms are becoming more frequent and severe, floods are stronger, droughts are intensifying, and wildfires are becoming more devastating. The Philippines is among the countries first in line of being disproportionately impacted by these changes. Human-induced climate change is accelerating and already causing dangerous and widespread disruption to nature and people with those most vulnerable often being the most affected. For us to surmount these disasters, it is paramount that we continue working together to ensure effective and immediate response to disasters. Our response in the first 100 days was made possible by the generous support of the international community who have so far contributed $56.6 million and funded our Humanitarian Needs and Priority plan up to 34 per cent. I would wish to use this opportunity to further call on them to redouble their support to fill the critical short falls in funding. On 16 December, Typhoon Odette brought with it torrential rains, violent winds, floods and storm surges affecting close to 12 million people. More than 2 million houses were damaged or destroyed, with over 424,000 destroyed and over 1,694,000 partially damaged. Rebuilding efforts are ongoing. For more information, please contact: Teresa L. Debuque National Information Officer United Nations Philippines Email: debuque@un.org Mobile number: 09150612351

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25 March 2022

UN Phils chief hails first judiciary-led rule expediting naturalization of stateless persons

Following is the text of UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez's remarks [as prepared] at the Media Launch of the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons on 25 March 2022 Chief Justice Gesmundo, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Chancellor Carandang and Vice Chancellor del Castillo, our esteemed Presiding Justices and Judges, Chief State Counsel Ortha, Undersecretary Sulit, Executive Directors Fugoso-Alcain, Rojas, and Santiago, President Pimentel-Gana, Head of National Office Valdeavilla-Gallardo, and to all our distinguished guests attending physically and virtually, a pleasant morning. Thank you very much for the opportunity to witness the launch of the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Rule). It is an honor to be a part of this milestone which places the Philippines, yet again, at the forefront as this is the first Judiciary-led framework that expedites the naturalization procedure. For this, I offer my sincere and warm congratulations. This would not come into fruition without the principled leadership of Chief Justice Gesmundo, Associate Justice Hernando and former Chief Justice Peralta. I recognize the members of the Special Committee on Facilitated Naturalization for Refugees and Stateless Individuals who have worked diligently towards the finalization and approval of the Rule. Indeed, the Rule laudably addresses the challenges faced by refugees and stateless persons in applying for Philippine citizenship. It takes into consideration their specific and unique circumstances. By allowing unaccompanied children to apply for naturalization, it fulfills the State's obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These persons of concern no longer need to wait for years before they can become Filipinos through its expedited procedure. Naturalization is now more affordable by reducing costs and introducing the electronic publication of the petition. It also contains favorable provisions with regard to qualifications, disqualifications, and documentary requirements. The Rule serves as a manifestation of the Philippines' unwavering commitment to the advancement of human rights, especially the right to a nationality. This right, enshrined in international and national frameworks, is integral in accessing other rights. This is even more important within the context of the pandemic as it does not discriminate on one's status or nationality. By providing means to make the acquisition of Philippine citizenship more accessible to refugees and stateless persons, the Rule contributes to the collective vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda) to leave no one behind. It is particularly geared towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on ensuring inclusive societies for sustainable development and providing access to justice for all, along with its Target 16.9 on providing legal identity for all which includes citizenship. The UN in the Philippines is one with the Philippine Government, including the Judiciary, in realizing the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs through its UN Socioeconomic and Peacebuilding Framework for COVID-19 Recovery in the Philippines 2020 – 2023 (SEPF). The SEPF aims to support the Philippine Government and complement its updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022. Under its SEPF, the UN is committed to "uphold the rights of the people it serves and protects" by "address[ing] inequality" among vulnerable and marginalized populations, including refugees and stateless persons. The SEPF’s goal on social cohesion aligns with efforts to provide opportunities for refugees and stateless persons to locally integrate and contribute to their communities. Naturalization is one step closer towards the realization of that goal. Rest assured of my support to the Philippine Government, including the Judiciary, UNHCR and other stakeholders in ensuring a favorable and protective environment for persons of concern. Thank you.

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23 March 2022

Typhoon Rai as wake-up call

Typhon Rai, locally known as Odette, smashed the Philippines three months ago, sweeping through 11 of the country’s 17 regions, destroying or damaging over 2 million houses, far eclipsing that of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Approximately 32,200 people remain displaced mostly in evacuation centers.

The road to a full recovery will be long and full of challenges. Yet returning from my field visit to Siargao, Philippines, I was inspired by the “Bayanihan” spirit. From the community where people are assisting their fellow neighbors to rebuild their houses, to the intervention led by Local Government Units, Mayors, Governors and National level counterparts, the desire to recover and help one another in times of a crisis is palpable and something that will stay with me long after my visit.

This typhoon, however, must serve as a wake-up call to the international community. The Global Climate Risk Index 2020 ranks the Philippines as the second most vulnerable country in the world affected by climate change despite being one of the smallest contributors to CO2 emissions. More than 60 percent of the Filipino population resides in coastal areas and will be forced to move with one-meter sea rise brought about by global warming—that equates to 60 million people having to move by the end of this century. As President Duterte warned in his address during the 76th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, “the risks and burden of a warming climate are simply not the same for everyone. ... But here we are now at a critical tipping point, where failure to act leads to cataclysmic consequences for the whole of humankind.”

Knowing that climate impact is inevitable and recognizing that failure to act will be cataclysmic, there are three things we must do now to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change on human life.

First, we have seen time and again that human mobility is inextricably linked to climate change. Nowhere is that more evident than in the Philippines. Migration is one of the coping mechanisms of affected Filipinos facing climate crisis, either as a choice or a force of circumstance. We must acknowledge that the protection of the most vulnerable should be at the forefront of our climate action, and collectively build migration into our climate change mitigation measures. National and regional policies must include more migration adaptation measures, and resources are needed to address and prevent displacements while increasing people’s resilience, especially in the most vulnerable countries.

Second, it is imperative to ensure that adaptive migration as a solution is safe, informed, and desired. For instance, IOM is working closely with the Philippines Government and communities on planned relocation and transitional sites in typhoon affected areas. Through the generous support from donors such as USAID, Australia, Japan, Canada, UN Central Emergency Fund and Germany, IOM is providing critical shelter assistance, hygiene and sanitation, Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Health and COVID prevention and Mental Health and Psychosocial Services. While essential, these actions are primarily reactive. Our actions in the field today can and should be a pathway towards managing climate vulnerabilities. They must be done proactively and strategically in a contextually grounded manner and with strong community engagement.

Finally, we need to harness the power of the estimated 10 million Filipinos living abroad to strengthen climate resilience locally. The Philippines is a country that has for decades made the most out of migration. Since the 1980s, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) have been hailed as bagong bayani (modern-day heroes). In 2019, remittances from OFWs reached a record high of USD 33.9 billion, equivalent to nearly 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). With one of the largest diasporas in the world, we need to leverage this support and direct these financial contributions to build back better using the lessons learned from past climate emergencies – such as building four-corner roofs over home in typhoon-prone areas to protect these rebuilt communities from future devastation.

As the cost of the climate crisis is reaching irreversible heights, I depart the Philippines reflecting on the devastating impacts of Typhoon Rai and the future of the communities in the Philippines. While the “Bayanihan” spirit gives me hope, we now need bold collective action to build the resilience of communities at risk, to protect the most vulnerable, and to ensure that migration remains a choice rather than a necessity. [Ends]

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16 March 2022

Statement by Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines

On 16 December 2021, Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, swept through 11 of the country’s 17 regions. The typhoon brought with it torrential rains, violent winds, floods and storm surges affecting almost 12 million people. More than 2 million houses were damaged or destroyed, with over 424,000 destroyed and over 1,694,000 partially damaged. Approximately 32,203 people are still displaced with some living in evacuation center and others with relatives. The rapid approval of the USD12 million (628 million pesos) emergency grant by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) on December 24 was crucial to address critical needs early in the response. The funding channeled through IOM, UNFPA, UNICEF and WFP allowed the UN agencies and their partners to respond quickly and in a coordinated way to help support life-saving humanitarian activities complementing the government-led response and signaling the need for urgent additional resources. Around 247,000 vulnerable people in 20 most affected municipalities of the three provinces that were hardest hit by Typhoon Rai: Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and Southern Leyte were targeted with the CERF funding. The CERF grant proved catalytic in mobilizing additional funding for the typhoon response with approximately $55 million (2.9 billion pesos) currently mobilized for the Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) plan. Three months on and through collaborative partnership with the local government of the three provinces, I undertook a mid-term review on March 9-11 to Caraga and on March 14-16 to Southern Leyte to take stock of the initial progress and remaining gaps, with a particular focus on operational challenges and required actions in completing CERF activities. I was joined by key CERF supporters, Ambassador of Norway, United Kingdom and Canada, and Heads of Agencies of UNICEF, WFP, IOM, UNFPA and OCHA. By acting quickly and generously, flexible CERF funding to the Philippines enabled a response to the most pressing needs, such as shelter, food security and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and protection. The CERF review mission highlighted that we should not be complacent, instead we should find ways to house those still without roofs over their heads as durable shelter for thousands of people whose homes were damaged or destroyed remains critical. More people are still in need of food, clean water and access to medicines and sanitation facilities with protection running through all operations. Access to education for children also needs to resume, especially where learning materials and schools were damaged by Typhoon Odette. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their livelihoods and need help getting back on their feet. Over the last few days, I have witnessed impressive convergence of the UN agencies sharing knowledge, operations and purposes with a single common goal: to save lives, protect the most in need and set the ground for recovery. CERF remarkably allowed us to anchor UN relief response in ongoing government emergency plans and build promising partnership with a wide range of local actors. The midterm review also identified a number of concerns related to the durable resettlement of some families within the context of the “No Build Zone” Policy as well as on post reconstruction investments in heavily hit areas. Those issues will be part of my discussions with key government representatives and development partners to jointly explore durable solutions. With the effects of climate change being experienced world over, Philippines will continue bearing the brunt of major storms. For us to surmount these disasters, it is paramount that we continue working together to ensure effective and immediate response to disasters. The revised HNP, with a total budget requirement of $169 million (8.9 billion pesos) targeting the needs of 840,000 of the most vulnerable people has been funded up to 32.6 per cent so far thanks to the generosity of the international community. I take this opportunity to call on the solidarity of our resource partners to redouble their support to fill critical short falls in our Humanitarian Needs and Priority Plan in the current critical circumstances of the response. Note to Editors: Download the Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan here. For more information, please contact: Teresa L. Debuque National Information Officer United Nations Philippines Email: debuque@un.org Mobile number: 09150612351

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Press Release

21 December 2021

PHL, UN and partners endorse roadmap to accelerate implementation of human rights joint programme

MANILA, 20 December 2021—The Philippines-United Nations (UN) Joint Programme on human rights took its first major step today at the Steering Committee meeting of government and civil society partners and participating UN agencies, where they agreed on a roadmap to implement Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution 45/33, adopted on 7 October 2020, which outlined specific areas for capacity-building and technical cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The steering committee meeting today was participated in by Department of Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra, UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, and representatives of government, UN and civil society partners.

Guevarra said, "The Joint Programme seeks to affirm the commitment of the Philippines to the primacy of human rights, the importance of a free democratic space for civil society, and the principle of international cooperation—key values that the Philippines holds dear as a founding charter member of the UN." UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez said, “Today’s meeting is an important step forward in the implementation of Human Rights Council resolution 45/33. Concrete actions, milestones and tools have been discussed and adopted. Everyone has a role in the joint programme and is accountable for the expected results.”

The human rights joint programme received a boost recently with combined financial support from the governments of Norway and Australia of some Php29 million.

“I thank the Governments of Australia and Norway for their readiness in supporting the Joint Programme. They know that respect for human rights is a core component of sustainable and inclusive development,” Gonzalez said.

"Australia is committed to see this programme succeed and deliver tangible results. We congratulate the Government of the Pilippines for its efforts," said Ambassador Steven Robinson of the Embassy of Australia.

On 22 July 2021, the Philippines and the UN signed the UN Joint Programme Programme on Human Rights. The three-year UN joint programme was developed to implement Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution 45/33, adopted on 7 October 2020, which outlined specific areas for capacity-building and technical cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines. The joint programme document was signed by Secretary Guevarra, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.,and Gonzalez, with the late Jose Luis Gascon of the Commission on Human Rights in attendance.

Aside from the DoJ, the UN joint programme is being co-implemented by the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the Department of Health (DOH), the Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center (ATC-PMC), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as well as the academe will also be core partners in the implementation of the programme.

UN entities involved in the programme - the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the UN Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT); and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – will work with the Government, drawing on expertise and best practices to apply human rights-based approaches in these areas. Gonzalez said, "The UN Joint Programme on Human Rights brings together different actors to find solutions to complex challenges. This is not always an easy task, but these challenges cannot be resolved by trainings and expertise alone. Resolving them requires leadership and courage." "This Joint Programme forges a lasting partnership for the advancement of the principles declared in the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights and Article III of the 1987 Constitution--the Philippines’ own Bill of Rights," said Guevarra.

Through the joint programme, the UN in the Philippines will engage in capacity-building and technical cooperation in six areas, namely, strengthening domestic investigation and accountability mechanisms; data gathering on alleged police violations; civic space and engagement with civil society and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR); national mechanism for reporting and follow-up; counter-terrorism legislation; and human rights-based approaches to drug control. [Ends] For more information, please contact: Signe Poulsen (Ms) UN Philippines Senior Human Rights Adviser Email: signe.poulsen1@un.org

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Press Release

28 June 2021

UN Secretary-General's Message for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 26 June

Science and trust in science are the hero and lesson of the pandemic; the world needs both to win against the virus. Scientists delivered safe and effective vaccines in record time. Access to reliable and verifiable information is making the difference between life and death. Action based on evidence is crucial for our responses to drugs, too. The world drug problem remains an urgent challenge that threatens to exacerbate pandemic impacts and hinder a healthy and inclusive recovery. The forthcoming World Drug Report 2021 from the United Office on Drugs and Crime shows that deaths attributed to disorders related to drug use have nearly doubled over the past decade. New HIV infections among adults worldwide have declined in recent years, but not among people who inject drugs, who accounted for 10 per cent of new infections in 2019. International cooperation has helped to limit the proliferation of new psychoactive substances, but the problem is shifting to poorer regions where control systems are weaker. Dark web drug sales continue to rise, and non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, including opioids, is expanding. Drug trafficking and organized crime fuel and perpetuate cycles of violence and conflict. Armed groups and terrorists profit from the illicit drug trade, and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people even more vulnerable to drug crime and illicit crop cultivation. Disparities in access to essential controlled medicines in low- and middle-income countries have been further heightened in the pandemic. For example, medical professionals in West and Central Africa in 2019 had four doses of pain medication every day for one million inhabitants; in North America, the number of doses was nearly 32,000. Investing in balanced prevention as well as control of drug use and drug use disorders produces solid returns -- saved lives, healthier populations, improved workforce participation and productivity, and reduced criminal justice costs. Many of the risk factors associated with crime and violent behaviour are also drivers of drug use, and targeted efforts focusing on these overlapping dynamics -- including childhood maltreatment and lack of social support -- can help to strengthen prevention. Moreover, research suggests that law enforcement and policing need to go after the criminals at the upper levels of the drug trafficking chain, who reap the highest profits and wreak the greatest violence. Public-private partnerships - with tech companies, postal and courier services, and shipping companies - represent an essential frontline response in the new fight against drug traffickers, who are increasingly exploiting the legal cargo trade and postal services to move their illicit product. Better data is also helping to identify trends and enable real-time monitoring of rapidly shifting trafficking routes. Science-driven early warning systems are helping to predict emerging drug threats. Greater international cooperation and support are needed to help low-income countries to take advantage of these advanced capabilities. The theme of this year’s observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, “Share facts on drugs. Save lives” is a call for solidarity. I urge all Member States to listen to the science and take action, building on agreed international frameworks and drawing on United Nations support for health and justice.

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Press Release

18 June 2021

UN Secretary-General's Message for World Refugee Day, 20 June 2021

War, violence and persecution have forced more than 80 million people around the world to flee their homes, leaving everything behind to save themselves and their families. Refugees must begin their lives anew. But for so many, the pandemic has wiped out their livelihoods, led to stigmatization and vilification and exposed them disproportionately to the virus. At the same time, refugees once again demonstrated their invaluable contribution to their adoptive societies as essential and frontline workers. We have a duty to help refugees rebuild their lives. COVID-19 has shown us that we can only succeed if we stand together. On World Refugee Day, I call on communities and governments to include refugees – in health care, education, and sport. We heal together when we all get the care we need. We learn together when we are all given the chance to study. We shine together when we play as a team and respect everyone. On World Refugee Day, I commend the countries that have welcomed refugees. But we need more support – from States, the private sector, communities and individuals – if we are to move together towards a more inclusive future, free of discrimination. The refugees I have met have shown me what it means to rebuild your own life while summoning the strength to enrich the lives of others. As High Commissioner for Refugees for 10 years, I was inspired by their courage, resilience and determination. I thank refugees and displaced persons across the world and reiterate my personal admiration for what they have taught us all about the power of hope and healing. This World Refugee Day and every day, we stand together with refugees.

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