With the project partnership from UNHCR since 2020 on supporting the passage of the BARMM IDP Bill No. 32, CBCS is vigorously monitoring the progress of the proposed law. The Act is now on its 2nd reading and in the process of public consultation, hopefully moving towards its final approval.
To ensure the participation of different sectors of BARMM, the BTA bill No. 32 conducted series of simultaneous public consultations across the major provinces of the region last May 30 in Cotabato City for mainland Mindanao, on June 6 in Tawi-Tawi and Patikul, and on June 8 in Basilan. The Parliament seeks to get feedback and recommendations from the different stakeholders on the said Bill. This event was attended by different sectors from the IDP community, humanitarian, security, and local and provincial that actively shared their insights and visions to be included in the bill.
Being the parliament’s priority bill, this proposed IDP protection act is designed as a framework for durable solutions and a comprehensive response to different aspects of displacement. Its salient points include mechanisms for the prevention and mitigation of displacements, ensuring the protection of the concerned individuals in their process of displacement, mainstreaming the DRR law into a rights-based approach, the establishment of coordinating council that does not focus only on one agency but a whole of the nation or society approach, and not only their rights are recognized but also gives importance on the works of the state as the primary duty bearer in providing support and assistance to IDPs.
After the public consultation stage, the stakeholders were encouraged to present position papers to submit by the end of July to the appropriate committee for consideration and deliberation stage and is expected to be in its final stage (third reading) by the month of August and the approval of the bill as certified by the members of the Parliament.
With the passage of the BARMM IDP Bill, relevant activities and consultations are the main core or highlight of the project’s accomplishments.
With the maintained strong partnership among relevant actors and persons of the community, the widespread awareness to educate our IDPs on their rights and durable solutions is vital. CBCS is committed until this proposed act becomes law.
Photo credit: MP Raissa’s Official FB Page
By: Julie E. Esmael
Project Officer
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