Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 265)
Proclamation No. 265 declares June 20 of every year as the "National Refugee Day" in the Philippines.
Section 11, Article II of the Constitution declares it a State policy to value the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.
Executive Order No. 163 (s. 2022) institutionalizes access to protection services for refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers in the country by establishing an Inter-Agency Committee.
The Inter-Agency Committee ensures that policies on the protection of, and the services and assistance offered to persons of concern (refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers) are consistent with relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
One strategy under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 is to continuously protect and pursue sustainable and durable solutions for persons of concern by providing anticipatory programs that will address their needs, especially in situations of violence and conflicts.
The Philippines is a State Party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the 1964 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
June 20 is designated by the United Nations as "World Refugee Day," an annual celebration to honor the strength and courage of people who have fled war, violence, conflict, or persecution.
The proclamation mentions an estimated 264,000 persons of concern currently hosted by the Philippines.
All agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are enjoined. Local government units, non-government organizations, civil society groups, Philippine-based UN agencies, and the private sector are encouraged to participate and render support.
The main purpose is to protect and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers and to increase awareness and recognition of their welfare, needs, and vulnerabilities in the Philippines.