Mindanao Displacement Dashboard, June 2021
In June 2021, an estimate total number of 2,550 families (10,782 individuals) were displaced in Mindanao due to armed conflict (7,980 individuals), clan feud (1,995 individuals) and natural disasters (807 individuals). Out of the 2,550 families displaced throughout the month, 33% (839 families) have returned to their places of origin by the end of May, leaving 67% (1,711 families or approximately 8,555 individuals) still displaced by the end of the reporting period. As of the 30th of June, an estimate total number of 27,599 families (approximately 135,870 individuals) are currently displaced in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, UNHCR Philippines successfully concluded the two sessions of the IDP Deep Dive on 15 and 22 June. The activity further examined the extent of UNHCR Philippines’ engagement in internal displacement in Mindanao following the initial decision to cease operations by December 2022. UNHCR’s Principal Advisor on Internal Displacement recognized the lack of rights-based legislation that protect and uphold the rights of IDPs in the country, limited response capacity of the State to address displacement, uncertainty in the political landscape given the upcoming national and local election in May 2022—including the controversial political transition in the Bangsamoro region—absence of conflict resolution due to land and political disputes, and the unprecedented challenges faced by IDPs during the pandemic.
Also, On 02 July, UNHCR and the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) met with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in a discussion initiated by the RCO on updates, prospects and challenges to the passage of the IDP Bill both at the national and the Bangsamoro regional level. The RC highlighted the role of the UN in pushing for this bill, as well as the bill’s potential impact as leverage in soliciting international support for the Philippines during emergencies. The CHR shared its experience in advocating for an IDP Protection bill in the national legislature during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, who vetoed the bill passed by both houses of Congress in 2013. CHR representatives also shared the revisions to the new version of the bill to rectify contentious provisions that served as grounds for the former President’s veto. UNHCR presented updates on its advocacy initiatives in the BARMM on the IDP Bill. In the current Congress, the window of opportunity to pass the bill is gradually constricting as the national election will be held by
May 2022. In the BARMM, should the transition period be extended, a new set of officers will be appointed by March or April next year. As a way forward, the RC expressed his commitment in providing support to ensure the passage of the IDP bill. Lastly, The Vehicles for Community Cohesion were turned over by UNHCR, in partnership with Magungaya Mindanao Inc, to the communities in Brgy. Dugong in M’lang, North Cotabato, Brgy. Tuanadato of Maitum, Sarangani, and Brgy. Zeneben in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, all in Region XII on the 21 to 23 June 2021. The vehicle shall be beneficial to the respective communities of the three mentioned barangays in terms of responding to emergency, access to basic services, financial, and physical safety and security of the community. The QIP aims at promoting peaceful co-existence between those displaced and their host communities.
For more information, please download the June Displacement Dashboard.
