The Philippine embassy in Doha illuminated its chancery in blue on Sunday (June 21) and held a commemorative flag-raising ceremony the following day as part of its observance of National Refugee Day and World Refugee Day.
The event highlighted the Philippines’ longstanding commitment to protecting refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers, the embassy noted.
The initiative, dubbed “Blue Monday”, coincided with global efforts to raise awareness of the plight of people displaced by conflict, violence, and persecution.
Blue is the official colour of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), symbolising calm, dignity, and hope for a safer future for refugees worldwide.
In a statement shared by the embassy on its social media pages, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr underlined the country’s tradition of extending protection and compassion to those forced to flee their homes.
“The Philippines has long upheld a proud tradition of extending compassion and protection to those forced to flee conflict, violence, and persecution.
“As a nation founded on the values of humanity and fairness, we recognise that safeguarding the worth of every individual is not merely an act of goodwill but a responsibility of a just and civilised society,” Marcos said.
The president also cited the efforts of the Philippine Department of Justice’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit and the Inter-Agency Steering Committee on Refugee Protection, Stateless Persons and Asylum Seekers in strengthening mechanisms that help refugees and stateless persons rebuild their lives.
The embassy noted that the Philippines has provided refuge to people fleeing conflict, persecution, and hardship since 1923.
It said the country’s approach is rooted in its commitment to international agreements, including 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.
Recognising the need to promote awareness and uphold the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers, the Philippine government institutionalised the annual observance of National Refugee Day every June 20 through Proclamation No. 265, signed in 2023.
This year’s observance carries added significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 45th anniversary of the Philippines’ accession to the treaty.
