The Philippine embassy in Doha marked National Refugee Day and World Refugee Day with a series of activities on June 21 and 22, underscoring the country’s ongoing dedication to supporting refugees, stateless persons, and asylum seekers.

On Sunday evening, the embassy illuminated its chancery in blue, symbolizing the colour of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which represents calm, dignity, and hope for displaced individuals. The following day, a flag-raising ceremony was held as part of the event, which the embassy referred to as “Blue Monday.” This initiative aligned with international efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those forced to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution.

In a statement released on the embassy’s social media channels, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the country’s tradition of compassion and protection for vulnerable populations. He emphasised that safeguarding the rights and dignity of refugees is both a moral obligation and a marker of a just society. Marcos specifically acknowledged the Philippine Department of Justice’s Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit and the Inter-Agency Steering Committee on Refugee Protection, Stateless Persons, and Asylum Seekers for their role in reinforcing support mechanisms to help displaced individuals rebuild their lives.

The embassy also noted the Philippines’ historical role as a refuge for those fleeing hardship, dating back to 1923. Its commitment to refugee protection is anchored in adherence to key international agreements, including the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, the 1964 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

To institutionalise awareness and advocacy efforts, the Philippine government established National Refugee Day as an annual observance every June 20 through Proclamation No. 265, signed in 2023. This year’s observance was especially meaningful as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 45th anniversary of the Philippines’ accession to that treaty.