Speech of UN RC Gustavo Gonzalez at the ribbon untying ceremony of the Photo Exhibit on Refugee Protection, Addressing Statelessness and Protection of IDPs

The speech was delivered during the ribbon untying ceremony of the "Resilient Spirits: Capturing Courage, Celebrating Strength, Inspiring Inclusion - An Odyssey of Women and Girls in Finding Hope Away from Home" photo exhibit organized by UNHCR, IOM, and UNDP under the Sustainable and Empowering Displacement Solutions for Peace (SEEDS for Peace) Joint Programme, with the support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

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Senate President Pro Tempore Legarda, our gracious host for this event, Senate President Zubiri, Senator Tolentino, esteemed members of the Senate and your legislative staff, to my colleagues at the UN - Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of National Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Philippines and Tristan Burnett, Chief of Mission of International Organization of Migration (IOM), ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and fellow advocates, magandang hapon. 

“You never truly understand the value of home until you are forced to leave it behind”, said a famous quote. “Home” represents -in almost all cultures and societies- a fundamental space of belonging, stability, and protection. Still more important, it is at home that cherished memories are created, and where one's identity is rooted.   

When circumstances compel individuals to leave their homes, whether due to conflict, violation of human rights, or natural disasters, they are confronted with an identity void. And it is in such absence that the full significance of “home” is felt.   

Over 110 million of people have been forcibly displaced worldwide by June 2023. The highest level on record, which represents more than one percent of the globe’s population.  The UN estimates that there will be more than 130 million forcibly displaced persons in 2024 as a result of most recent crises in Gaza and Sudan.

As women and girls across the world are, on average, economically, legally, politically and socially less empowered than men, internally displaced women are twice disadvantaged. 

They often suffer greater challenges in the labor market of their host community than displaced men. Displaced women and girls are also at higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence, and girls are less likely than boys to continue their education in displacement. The difficulties faced by displaced women and girls can reinforce each other in a vicious circle of lasting vulnerability, if their specific needs are not addressed.

Against this background, it is a great honour to stand before you today on behalf of the United Nations in the Philippines to celebrate the resilient spirit of women and girls, especially those who are refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, at risk of statelessness, and internally displaced. Those who preserve and nourish “Hope Away from Home”, as it is reflected in the title of the present exhibition. 

For this, I would like to thank the Senate of the Philippines for the initiative of contributing to the celebrations of the National Women Months by paying tribute to the millions on women and girls impacted by the disruptive impact of forced displacement. I thank the Senate for its leadership and commitment to leave no one behind. 

As we explore these evocative images, let us reflect on the importance of fostering an environment that encourages inclusivity, respect, and empowerment. Let us continue to create a world where we empower and invest in every woman and girl, regardless of their background or circumstance, and support them in preserving hope and strength to live in safety and dignity and pursue their dreams.

The United Nations remains committed to working alongside governments, civil society, and the forcibly displaced and stateless people and those at risk of statelessness to ensure the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld. This, along with gender equality and women empowerment, is at the heart of our new UN’s Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2024 – 2028, which was recently signed with the Government of the Philippines, in full alignment with the Philippine Development Plan 2023 – 2028. 

And to translate our aspirations into action, UN Development Programme (UNDP), IOM, and UNHCR are presently contributing to address the causes and impacts of conflict-induced displacement in Bangsamoro, by providing technical expertise in the development of normative frameworks on internal displacement at the national and BARMM levels. This support is channeled through the Sustainable and Empowering Displacement Solutions for Peace (SEEDS for Peace), which is funded by our UN Peace-Building Fund. 

In line with the UN Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement where the UN supports you in the protection and pursuit of solutions for and with internally displaced persons (IDPs), I further recognize the Senate’s efforts, including Senator Legarda’s Senate Bill 1243, to enact the IDP bill, following the House of Representatives’ approval of the same on final reading in August 2023.  The Bangsamoro Parliament is also pushing for a similar bill in the BARMM. 

I humbly request the Congress and BARMM Parliament to continue prioritizing this measure and ensure its swift passage. I am sure that the enactment of both legislations will position the Philippines as a global champion in addressing forced displacement, placing the referred legislations as international good practice. 

I would like to conclude by recognizing the fruitful partnership between the Senate and the United Nations and reiterating my commitment as UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to continue supporting the Philippines in achieving gender equality and full women empowerment. 

Maraming salamat po and happy National Women’s Month!

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