Justice Secretary Crispin C. Remulla assured the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that the Philippines will continue to be one of its most vocal allies in global humanitarian action.

"Despite our being a modest country, facing serious domestic issues like the energy crises, climate change, and disaster-induced internal displacement, we stand hand in hand with the international community in pushing the boundaries of how much we can help, to go beyond our comfort zone," Remulla said during the 73rd Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva, Switzerland on 10 October.

The Philippine government, he said, heard the High Commissioner's plea to the international community for solidarity hence, Filipinos affirm and confirm their continuing, strong active support and cooperation to ensure the success of the global humanitarian agenda.

He added that although the Philippines is confronted with its own people's domestic displacements resulting from climate change and armed conflict, it has continued to welcome refugees from all over the world under the government's long-standing open-door policy towards displaced people and other persons of concern.

"We are a nation of migrants, a land of people on the move, a safe haven for nine waves of refugees fleeing persecution," he said.

Highlighting equitable attention to different crises in different regions so as ensure that no refugee situation and no hosting community remain ignored or underfunded, Remulla cited the need to provide sufficient support for all hosting communities who spend and divert limited resources to help those in need.

He expressed hope that middle countries can also become formidable, proactive voices and champions, who can fill in gaps where needed, and increase contributions where possible.

"There is an urgency to broaden the base of support beyond traditional donors and traditional hosting countries. The so-called 'missing middle' must step up and strive to be agents of change," he said.

PBBM's call

Remulla also echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call during the recent UN General Assembly for an international system that must work for the most vulnerable, especially the marginalized, migrants, and refugees.