UN expert to probe state of internally displaced Filipinos

An expert from the United Nations will be in the country to investigate the state of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the different regions of the country faced by natural disasters and conflicts.

United Nations Special Rapporteur Chaloka Beyani will be in an official visit in the country from July 21 to 31 to look if the human rights of internally displaced persons are met.

“The Philippines has a range of internal displacement issues, which include those caused in 2013 by the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Haiyan where significant progress has been made, as well as other displacement situations where challenges remain to be addressed. It is my intention to assist in finding solutions as well as to share experiences with the Government,” Beyani said in a statement.

In visiting areas of internally displaced persons, he will assess “displacement situations, government responses and implementation of international standards.”

Beyani will visit locations where people are internally displaced such as Maguindanao, Zamboanga, Tacloban, and South Cotabato.

“This visit presents a unique opportunity to consult with the national authorities and other stakeholders on progress in confronting recent and long-standing displacement challenges, remaining obstacles and efforts to ensure appropriate and durable solutions for all IDPs,” he added.

Beyani, a professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed as the Special Rapporteur on human rights of internally displaced persons in 2010.

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