PH pledges financial aid for humanitarian response in Afghanistan

MANILA, Philippines — 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 of the Philippines to the UN Evan Garcia announced the country’s pledge during the High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement Tuesday.

The meeting was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres to encourage international support for Afghan people, the DFA noted.

In his remarks during the meeting, Garcia recalled the Philippines’ “tradition and track record” of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers.

Last week, the Philippines welcomed Afghan nationals, including women and children, who were seeking refugee status in the country.

“The Philippines will remain true to its time-honored commitment to provide meaningful humanitarian response and humane treatment to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, and in need, including refugees,” the DFA added.

No amount was disclosed but the Philippine Mission in Geneva said the country will make a “modest financial contribution.”

“[The Philippines] remains true to its commitment to provide humanitarian response to those most in need,” it said in a tweet.

“We welcomed Afghanistan refugees & asylum seekers, now we pledge a modest financial contribution to the UN OCHA Flash Appeal. We walk the talk,” it added.

Ambassador Evan Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva, delivers the Philippine Statement on September 13, 2021 during the High-level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan at the Palais des Nations, Switzerland. Photo courtesy of the DFA

JPV