HON. JOSE LUIS MARTIN C. GASCON Chairperson Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines * MESSAGE* In today’s world where armed conflict is a recurring reality in our societies, and environmental challenges – including climate change – continue to plague our communities, the need to prevent and protect people from arbitrary displacement, and provide durable solutions to them when they are displaced, is paramount. It is imperative if we are to protect and promote the human rights of all – especially those displaced from their homes due to natural disasters, as well as by the most severe conflicts and the grossest violations of human rights. This manual on monitoring the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is thus a welcome addition to our toolkit that will aid us in the most crucial task. Based on the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (adopted in 1998 by the UN Commission on Human Rights) and other human rights instruments, this manual will not only guide us in monitoring those internally displaced, but will also facilitate greater cooperation and more meaningful engagement with State agencies in the protection and promotion of the rights of IDPs. The Philippines is no stranger to internal displacement. In fact, the country ranks among the top nations in Asia in terms of the prevalence of internal displacement, due to both natural disasters and human-made conflicts. This continuing internal displacement of our citizens is a significant challenge that we need to face head on. Our collective country experience on this has highlighted the most acute needs of the IDPs and emphasized the need for us to “build back better” after persistent episodes of enduring conflicts and perennial natural disasters. It is our hope that this manual contributes to the collective renewal of spirited and strategic actions for the promotion and protection of the rights of all internally displaced people. The Commission on Human Rights expresses its warmest congratulations to the authors of this manual and all those who helped in its production. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for their unflagging support. Dignidad ng lahat (Dignity of all)! Mabuhay! iii