UNHCR in the Philippines: Five Decades of Protection, Hope and Humanity

For 50 years, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has stood in solidarity with the Philippines in protecting people forced to flee and those at risk of being left behind due to statelessness.

UNHCR began its work in the Philippines in 1975, initially responding to the humanitarian needs of Vietnamese boat people. As the waves of forcible displacement continued into the 1980s and beyond, the Philippines became one of the few countries in the region to maintain an open-door policy for those seeking refuge from war, persecution and violence.

“For 50 years, UNHCR has walked alongside the Philippines in its proud humanitarian tradition and continues to do so as it actively supports and protects the forcibly displaced and stateless,” said UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo.

Supporting a nation of welcome

Long before the arrival of UNHCR, the Philippines hosted significant refugee populations, including Jewish refugees during the 1930s and 40s and Spanish refugees displaced by the country’s civil war in the 1930s. 

The Philippines has acceded to key international legal instruments that protect refugees and stateless persons. These include the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions.

Between 1975 and 1992, thousands of Vietnamese refugees—known as “boat people”—fled the aftermath of the Vietnam War, seeking safety from political persecution. Many drifted across the South China Sea, eventually landing on the northern shores of the Philippines, where they were compassionately rescued by local fishermen and coastal families. With the support of UNHCR, 2,700 refugees were admitted into processing centers in Palawan, where they were given shelter and the opportunity to farm and fish.

Subsequently, UNHCR assisted in facilitating the resettlement of many of these Vietnamese refugees to countries like Canada. Those who chose to stay in the Philippines built new lives, marrying locals and forming a vibrant Vietnamese community known as Viet Ville—a lasting symbol of resilience, cultural harmony, and humanitarian solidarity.

And the work continues.

In 2015, when 300 Rohingya fled Myanmar and drifted afloat at sea after being pushed back in their attempts to seek refuge in neighbouring shores, the Philippines was willing to take them in.

In recent years, the Philippines has further strengthened its commitment to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons through Executive Order No. 163 in 2022. It mandates all relevant government agencies to recognize, protect, promote and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons and asylum seekers.

UNHCR continues to support the government in its Complementary Pathways programme, which connects young refugees—particularly Rohingya youth—with access to higher education opportunities in the country. The programme currently supports 25 scholars, enabling them to pursue university degrees while receiving protection and support to live in dignity and safety.

Ali, a young Rohingya refugee from Bangladesh, arrived in the Philippines with more than just a scholarship—he brought with him the hopes of an entire community. As one of 25 refugee scholars under the programme, he is now pursuing higher education after years of limited access to learning. “When my community found out that I will be going to the Philippines to study, they expressed big hopes for me. I carry that hope with me today,” he said.  

UNHCR has supported efforts to enhance laws, policies and plans, including reinforcing access to justice for refugees and asylum seekers.

The Supreme Court of the Philippines adopted the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons in 2022, which was developed with technical guidance from UNHCR. The Rule simplifies and expedites the judicial process for recognized refugees and stateless persons to acquire Philippine citizenship.

Ending Statelessness: Protecting the right to belong

For thousands of individuals who remain unregistered in the Philippines, the lack of a birth certificate can mean a life of exclusion. Unable to access education and lacking the right to vote, open a bank account or register for government support, unregistered individuals often face difficulties in life. With support from UNHCR, a total of 113,729 persons at risk of statelessness have received birth certificates and thereby recognition and access to government services.

Moreover, UNHCR provided technical support to the Philippine Government’s implementation of its National Action Plan to End Statelessness. The Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, for instance, recognizes foundlings as natural-born Filipino citizens, affirming their right to a name, nationality and legal identity. The law also covers children who reached the age of majority but were not adopted as foundlings.

Additionally, the Philippine and Indonesian governments, with support from UNHCR, resolved the status of over 6,000 persons of Indonesian decent, who were confirmed as nationals of either country.
Responding to emergencies and ensuring IDP protection

The Philippines is no stranger to forced displacement triggered by natural disasters or armed conflict and rido (clan feuds). UNHCR Philippines has been on the frontlines of emergency response and assistance to internally displaced communities, reaching some of the country’s most remote populations.

For instance, when Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) struck Mindanao in 2012, UNHCR quickly deployed emergency relief items, including solar lanterns and protection monitors, helping around 72,800 people.  

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)—one of the most powerful storms in recorded history— flattened entire towns in the Visayas region. UNHCR provided emergency supplies and core relief items and advocated for the rights of affected populations, helping around 600,000 people. 

In 2017, the Marawi Siege forcibly displaced over 350,000 people in Lanao del Sur. As the smoke cleared and the city lay in ruins, UNHCR was one of the first to respond, offering tents, hygiene kits, protection monitoring, and later, livelihood support.

But emergency response is just one part of the work. Long-term IDP protection, which ensures dignity, upholding rights, and providing durable solutions, has become central to UNHCR’s mission. In partnership with the Bangsamoro government, local civil society organizations, and community partners, UNHCR in 2024 supported the passage of the Act Protecting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, the first law in Southeast Asia specifically crafted to protect the rights and well-being of IDPs.

UNHCR’s 50th year in the Philippines highlights an enduring commitment to the people we work with and for, continuing to work hand in hand with the Philippine government, civil society, and partner communities.

What about the next 50 years? “Even as new challenges emerge, UNHCR continues with its efforts in the country, rooted in the belief that protection is not a privilege, but a right for all,” Ms. Valdeavilla-Gallardo said.