INAUGURAL REFUGEE DAY

The Inaugural National Refugee Day in the Philippines, celebrated to coincide with World Refugee Day on June 20, 2024, marked a momentous step toward the country’s implementation of the 1951 Refugees Convention and it’s 1967 Protocol. Organized by the Department of Justice - Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), this historic event aligns with Philippine Government’s commitments and obligations under the Geneva convention.

The observance is a result of Republic Act No. 11961, also known as the “Philippine National Refugee Day Act,” which aims to raise awareness about the struggles faced by refugees and promote their integration into society. The law encourages the involvement of various sectors—government agencies, NGOs, CSOs and local communities—in hosting programs, discussions, and activities to advocate for refugees’ rights.

The Philippine Arab Cooperation Council Inc. (PACCI) was among the invited organizations, to attend at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on June 20, 2024, demonstrating the collective efforts to address the needs of displaced individuals and support their journey towards rebuilding their lives in the Philippines.