A two-day Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) writeshop for BAA No. 62 also known as the Rights of the Internally Displaced Persons of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Act of 2024 culminated today at Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City.
The intensive workshop brought together key officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), UNHCR, CBCS, legal experts, and representatives from the Ministries of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA), all working collaboratively to translate the bill’s provisions into actionable guidelines.
This writeshop, organized by the Ministry of Social Services and Development in partnership with UNHCR and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), focused on ensuring that the IRR effectively addresses the needs and challenges IDPs face in the BARMM. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions, drafting sessions, and consultations to refine the IRR, ensuring its alignment with international standards and best practices for IDP protection.
“This Implementing Rules and Regulations Writeshop is a critical step and a collaborative effort that demonstrates the commitment of the BARMM government to ensuring that BAA No. 62 translates into real-world protection for Internally Displaced Persons in the region. We are committed to developing a comprehensive and implementable IRR that will provide a strong framework for safeguarding the rights and well-being of IDPs.” –said Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, Parliament Member and the Bill’s Author.
“For UNHCR, I believe we’ve come to the most exciting part of our legislative advocacy. Our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of UNHCR, to MSSD for being firm in your position in this advocacy. You have been firm in believing that this Law will be the 1st strive and also the sustainable solution to protect and uphold the rights of the IDPs in the region. You have been firm in convincing the BARMM government to take a proactive stand on addressing internal displacement and you stood tall in defending and championing this legislative measure for the welfare of the people in BARMM. I believe that there is a season for everything and we’ve come to a point where we are in the season of celebration, we are already harvesting the fruit of our labor. We should be proud and take pride in whatever contribution we have made to this legislation to be a reality. UNHCR will continue to provide strategic and technical support to MSSD, and other Ministries who committed or who have the responsibility and the role to implement this Law. “A message of support from the Assistant Protection Officer, UNHCR, Ms, Corazon Lagamayo.
The write-shop covered key areas, including:
- Defining Key Terms: Participants carefully defined key terms related to IDP protection, ensuring a clear understanding of the legislation’s scope and application.
- Establishing Procedures: The workshop focused on developing specific procedures for identifying, registering, and assisting IDPs, ensuring a streamlined and efficient response to displacement.
- Ensuring Access to Services: Participants addressed the critical need for IDPs to access essential services, including housing facilities, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, outlining mechanisms for providing these services.
- Promoting Community Participation: The writeshop emphasized the importance of involving IDPs in decision-making processes that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
- Strengthening Protection Mechanisms: Participants discussed measures to protect IDPs from violence, exploitation, and abuse, including strengthening law enforcement and access to justice.
The writeshop concluded with participants’ collective expertise and insights to be reviewed by the head legislative writer. Moving forward, the MSSD will conduct a series of meetings and a stakeholders’ forum to gather feedback and finalize the IRR for submission and approval to the BTA Parliament not later than March 4, 2025, for its effectiveness.
The successful completion of the IRR write shop signifies a significant step towards strengthening IDP protection in the BARMM. By working together, the MSSD as the lead agency, the MILG as the vice-chair, UNHCR and CBCS as partners, and the legal experts are ensuring that Bangsamoro Autonomous Act No. 62 (BAA No.62) translates into concrete actions that will benefit IDPs and contribute to a more peaceful and just future for the region.
By: JAMAHERIA G. COMPANIA
Communications and Advocacy Officer
IDP Project
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