September 16 ------ The Philippines has pledged financial contribution to the flash appeal of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to address the immediate humanitarian gaps in Afghanistan. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Evan Garcia made this announcement during the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan, which was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sept. 13 in Geneva, Switzerland to encourage international support for the Afghan people.
Garcia, however, did not disclose the amount the Philippines will be contributing to the humanitarian cause in Afghanistan. In his remarks, Garcia recalled the Philippines’ tradition and track record of welcoming and opening its doors to refugees and asylum seekers. Last week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. confirmed that the Philippines has welcomed the first Afghan refugees to the country since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan on Aug. 15.
Locsin said the Afghan nationals include women and children, who were seeking refugee status in the country. “We stay steady where others waver: tonight we welcome Afghan nationals including women & kids seeking refuge. Our doors are open to those fleeing conflict, persecution, sexual abuse and death,” he said in a tweet. Garcia said the Philippines will remain true to its time-honored commitment to provide a meaningful humanitarian response and humane treatment to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and in need, including refugees.
Source: mb.com.ph