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29 June 2022
Family remittances critical to achieving the Global Goals
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05 June 2022
UN Philippines and Partners Pedal for the Global Goals on World Bicycle Day 2022
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21 May 2022
UN-Habitat wraps up project in Marawi with total 1000 permanent houses awarded to IDPs
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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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29 June 2022
Family remittances critical to achieving the Global Goals
MANILA, 28 June 2022—Remittances from migrant workers to their families are critical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide.
At “Celebrating Filipino Economic Heroes,” an event held today at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez said that remittances are helping to accelerate progress towards achieving the SDGs, particularly those for poverty reduction, good health, quality education and climate action.
“Remittances are helping reach the SDGs, one family at a time, Gonzalez added.
According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a 10 per cent increase in per capita remittances leads to a 3.5 per cent decline in the share of poor people in the population, given that over 50 per cent of global remittances are sent to households in rural areas, where 75 per cent of the world's poor and food-insecure live.
The UN has noted* that “infants born into remittance families have a higher birthweight and are less likely to die during their first year,” showing the positive effect of remittances on SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being.
Referring to SDG 4, Quality Education, the UN has reported that remittance-receiving households have demonstrably better educational participation than non-recipients, and invest about one tenth of their income educating their children. In addition, children from remittance families, especially girls, register higher school attendance, enrolment rates and additional years in school.
At the same time, the UN has attributed progress in achieving SDG 13, Climate Action, to remittances and diaspora investment, which play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and helping families cope with income shortages due to weather-related shocks.
The steady flow of remittances amid COVID-19, as well as economic challenges, conflict, and climate-related natural disasters, has helped to support continued progress on the global development goals.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said, “During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, remittances became even more essential as they shielded families, communities, and entire countries from the crippling economic consequences of the public health crisis and the economic shocks that followed. In 2021, the World Bank reported a total of 605 billion US dollars in remittances, an increase of 17% from the total remittances recorded in the 2020. Of that staggering amount, the Philippines contributed 34.9 billion US dollars, making our country the fourth largest destination for remittances in 2021. That’s the currency that buys vaccines and buoys up whatever economic activity was possible in the lockdowns.
Locsin added, “Because remittances have kept the Philippine economy afloat in good, and even more in bad times, our government has made a conscious effort to create an enabling environment for remittances to flow and grow, and increasingly to benefit those who earned them and need them the most desperately. At present, at least 50 per cent of financial tech companies in the Philippines provide digital payments, e-wallets, and e-remittances. Such innovations help ensure that remittances reliably and immediately reach those who earned them
At the same time, Gonzalez said that countries need to continue to work together to bring down the cost of remittances.
In late 2021, the average cost of sending 200 US dollars was 6 per cent, or 9 per cent less than 10 years ago. However, this is still double the target set to reduce the proportion of remittances costs to less than 3 percent under SDG 10 on Reducing Inequalities.
“Achieving this target of reducing costs of remittances will thus require improvements in financial technology and increased awareness, access, and digital financial literacy of both workers overseas and their families at home,” Gonzalez said.
“Celebrating Filipino Economic Heroes,” which was jointly organized by the DFA and UN Philippines to mark the International Day for Family Remittances, also featured messages from John Paul Canasa, an OFW working in Malaysia and from Luther Calderon, president of Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino (KAMPI), a non-government organization that supports and advocates for the rights of Filipino migrant workers. The International Day of Family Remittances, observed on June 16, was adopted through a UN General Assembly resolution in 2018. The Philippines, along with Guatemala, Madagascar and Algeria, led the adoption of this resolution. *Remittances and the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/SDGs Notes to Editors International Day of Family Remittances. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/background Remittances and the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/SDGs For more information, please contact: Teresa L. Debuque National Information Officer debuque@un.org, 09150612351
“Celebrating Filipino Economic Heroes,” which was jointly organized by the DFA and UN Philippines to mark the International Day for Family Remittances, also featured messages from John Paul Canasa, an OFW working in Malaysia and from Luther Calderon, president of Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino (KAMPI), a non-government organization that supports and advocates for the rights of Filipino migrant workers. The International Day of Family Remittances, observed on June 16, was adopted through a UN General Assembly resolution in 2018. The Philippines, along with Guatemala, Madagascar and Algeria, led the adoption of this resolution. *Remittances and the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/SDGs Notes to Editors International Day of Family Remittances. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/background Remittances and the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/en/observances/remittances-day/SDGs For more information, please contact: Teresa L. Debuque National Information Officer debuque@un.org, 09150612351
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Story
05 June 2022
UN Philippines and Partners Pedal for the Global Goals on World Bicycle Day 2022
MANILA, 4 June 2022—The United Nations (UN) Philippines, the diplomatic community, and other partners marked World Bicycle Day at the SM Mall of Asia to make an urgent call for substantial progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, or just eight years from now.
Titled "Climate Champions Ride Bikes," the Fun Bike Ride was participated in by about 250 bikers, including UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez; members of the UN Country Team in the Philippines, such as Dr. Leila Joudane, country representative of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Christopher Rollo, country programme manager of UN-Habitat; Ted Monroy, country programme manager of UNIDO; members of the diplomatic community, such as Michele Boccoz of the French Republic; Ahmed Shehabeldin Ibrahim Abdullah of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Anna Krzak-Danel and Tomasz Danel of Poland, Dalibor Micka of the Czech Republic, among others.
Gonzalez said, “This is a special event for three reasons. This is the first time ever that the UN Philippines is marking this Day. This event is also the first big public event that we are organizing since 2020. It is special because it signals our freedom to see and meet with each other face-to-face after over two years of isolation due to COVID-19.”
The UN Philippines values World Bicycle Day for the opportunity it offer to advocate for important goals of the UN and our partners, including: promotion of inclusive and green mobility; supporting the Philippines’ climate goals, particularly, reducing our carbon emissions; helping advocate for the transition to green cities; and mobilizing Filipinos to use their bicycles for trips as much as possible, with a view to adopting healthy lifestyles.
“With all of these crucial advocacies carried by World Bicycle Day, riding our bicycles is a small act with great impact on achieving national and global goals,” Gonzalez added.
World Bicycle Day was first marked on 3 June 3 2018, when the United Nations first adopted a resolution during the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City in April. The declaration was adopted by more than 193 member states that encouraged them to include bicycles in regional, international, and subnational development programmes and policies. [Ends]
For more information, please contact:
Teresa L. Debuque
National Information Officer
debuque@un.org
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Story
21 May 2022
UN-Habitat wraps up project in Marawi with total 1000 permanent houses awarded to IDPs
Marawi City, May 19, 2022 – The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) formally wraps up the implementation of the Rebuilding Marawi Project during the project’s culmination event, Handover of Community Management and Permanent Shelters, held on May 19, 2022 in the Islamic City of Marawi. The event was attended by Secretary Eduardo D. del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Atty. Arnolfo Ricardo B. Cabling, President of Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), Mayor Majul U. Gandamra of Marawi City, and Engr. Al-Khwarizmi U. Indanan, Acting Regional Manager NHA Region IX and BARMM; Head, Marawi Project Management Office; Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Christopher E. Rollo, Country Programme Manager, UN-Habitat Philippines,
In the course of its four years engagement in Marawi, 1000 permanent houses were turned over to internally displaced families affected by the 2017 siege with the last 462 houses awarded in the May 19, 2022 handover event. Constructed with USD 10-million funding support from Government of Japan, the houses were built on land procured and developed by Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) and National Housing Authority (NHA).
Pre-siege, the 1000 families lived within the three to six meters easement along the Agus River and Lake Lanao – areas officially categorized by the government as ‘no dwell zone’ and others that were affected by the development projects within the post-war Ground Zero/Most Affected Area (MAA). With their houses destroyed by the gun battle between the government forces and pro-Isis militants, life for the 1000 families in the past four years since the war ended was spent in tents, transitory shelters, in home-based arrangement (living with relatives or with friends or renting) within Marawi or in nearby provinces. Others went as far as Manila to find sources of income as the war destroyed not only their homes but devastated their businesses as well.
UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager, Christopher Rollo, delivered the message of the UN-Habitat Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific Atsushi Koresawa saying “We and our partners are truly honored to be part of this rebuilding process. The Rebuilding Marawi Project demonstrates that adequate housing is at the center of sustainable development because having an adequate home empowers a family to satisfy its basic needs while providing the space to dream, engage in gainful livelihood, commune with neighbors, and become communities of peace.”
For his part, SHFC President Atty. Cabling stated, “The rebuilding of Marawi through participatory housing entailed a lot of hard work among many partners who not only pooled financial and human resources but also spent thousands of hours on the ground. We thank all of them especially the communities, UN-Habitat, Office of Civil Defense, Task Force Bangon Marawi, and the Local Government of Marawi City. We hope that the partnerships that we have formed here will continue in other parts of the country.”
Engr. Indanan of NHA where UN-Habitat built 300 permanent houses in the sprawling Pamayandeg Ranao Residences at Dansalan, “In the pursuit and furtherance of NHA’s objective to provide permanent shelters in support of the Rebuilding Marawi Project under the TFBM, we have found in UN-Habitat a viable and strategic partner - making our task lighter and more manageable and which provided avenues to our beneficiaries towards their completed recovery.”
Oling Manalao, who spoke on behalf of the 1000 families, remarked: “It was not just houses that UN-Habitat built – in the four years that we actively participated in the project, UN-Habitat helped us regain our confidence even as we became known as IDPs – internally displaced persons, through all those trainings, meetings, and coaching that they provided us. Thank you for the livelihood projects that did not just benefit the homepartners but also helped so many people directly and indirectly, through the 82 different kinds of livelihood projects that our Cooperatives managed. Our deepest gratitude goes to the People of Japan who generously provided us the means to start anew, for making it possible for us to rebuild with dignity.”
Families previously awarded with the permanent houses are now living in their new communities: Marawi Resettlement Site (MRS Phase 1) Phase 1: Hadiya Village, Brgy. Dulay West, with 109 permanent houses inaugurated in February 25, 2021 and 120 in MRS Phase II: Darussalam Village, Brgy. Dulay Proper inaugurated in July 22, 2021, while the 438 (of the 462) families awarded during the handover event will soon be transferring to their houses in MRS Phase III: Norsalam Village, Brgy. Patani – all three lands procured and developed by the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC). 24 houses of the 462 awarded houses can be found at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Marawi property in Brgy. Patani. The LGU Marawi pitched in its property for the building of a 33 houses by UN-Habitat at a time when procurement of land was posing extreme challenge to the project. At the NHA site, the Pamayandeg Ranao Residences at Dansalan, fifty permanent houses were turned over to displaced families last July 22, 2021 in Brgy. Mipantao-Gadongan, another 150 houses awarded last October 15, 2021 followed by 100 houses turned over last March 3, 2022 all in Brgy, Kilala, bringing to a total of 300 houses built by UN-Habitat at the NHA site. All these totals to 1000 permanent houses which are now owned by qualified families.
For more information, please contact:
Warren C. Ubongen, UN-Habitat Project Manager
warren.ubongen@un.org/+63 917 117 1767
Maria Elvira B. Duka, Community Mobilization Team Leader
maria.duka@un.org/ +63 977 852 1594
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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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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
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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Press Release
18 June 2021
UN Secretary-General's Message for World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June 2021
Humanity is waging a relentless, self-destructive war on nature.
Biodiversity is declining, greenhouse gas concentrations are rising, and our pollution can be found from the remotest islands to the highest peaks.
We must make peace with nature.
The land can be our greatest ally. But the land is suffering.
Land degradation from climate change and the expansion of agriculture, cities and infrastructure undermines the well-being of 3.2 billion people.
It harms biodiversity and enables the emergence of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
Restoring degraded land would remove carbon from the atmosphere.
It would help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change.
And it could generate an extra $1.4 trillion dollars in agricultural production each year.
The best part is that land restoration is simple, inexpensive and accessible to all.
It is one of the most democratic and pro-poor ways of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
This year marks the start of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
On this International Day, let us make healthy land central to all our planning.
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Press Release
29 April 2021
UN Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace
Watch the Secretary-General's video message
The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragic reminder of how deeply connected we are.
There is a clear and urgent need for concrete multilateral solutions, based on common action across borders for the good of all humanity, starting with the equitable distribution of vaccines as a global public good.
This need goes far beyond the pandemic. It applies to all the transnational threats we face: the climate crisis; air and water pollution; the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; the development of new technologies in the absence of agreed principles and norms.
We need a more networked multilateralism, with stronger coordination between regional and international organizations, international financial institutions and public/private alliances.
We need an inclusive multilateralism, that draws on civil society, business, local and regional authorities and others, and shares power more broadly and fairly.
And we need strong multilateral action now, to emerge from the pandemic safely, to address the climate crisis, and to build stronger, safer communities and societies.
Today, as we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, let’s renew our commitment to global multilateral solutions that deliver for people and planet.
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