Tolentino: Treat Afghan nationals with dignity, respect

WELCOME TO MANILA Some 300 Afghan nationals, among them children, arrive in the Philippines aboard a chartered flight on Monday to complete the processing of their US special immigrant visas for their immigration to the United States. They are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 59 days. PHOTO COURTESY OF US EMBASSY

MANILA,  Philippines —  Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino urged everyone on Tuesday to treat with dignity and respect the Afghan nationals who are in the country to process their Special Immigrant Visa for resettlement in the United States.

About 300 Afghans reportedly arrived in the  Philippines on Monday under an agreement with the United States signed last year.

Tolentino threw his full support behind the government’s move to temporarily host the Afghans while their visa applications are being processed.

READ: Philippines, US agree on ‘transit’ of Afghan nationals to Manila

“As a steadfast advocate for the rights of refugees and the broader spectrum of human rights, I cannot stress enough the importance of demonstrating shared humanity by aiding those fleeing violence and persecution,” he said in a statement.

“Accepting displaced refugees is the highest standard when it comes to adherence to international human rights commitment[s],” he further stressed.

The senator noted how the Philippines has shown its commitment to upholding human rights with its participation in key international agreements such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

READ: Afghans transiting for US visa arrive; 59-day stay starts

He also cited the country’s “proud history” of extending humanitarian aid to those in need, including Jewish refugees during the era of President Manuel L. Quezon and Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War.

Just recently, Tolentino said the Philippines also assisted Rohingya refugees.

“Aiding Afghan refugees aligns with international law and reflects the nation’s values of compassion and solidarity. Let me stress that human rights are universal, and we must ensure our legal frameworks align with international standards,” he then said.

“That said, let us ensure that our 300 Afghan brothers and sisters are treated with dignity and respect,” Tolentino added.

While in the country, the refugees are expected to stay in a secure, undisclosed billet facility and would be allowed to leave only once to attend their consular interview at the US Embassy in Manila.