RIS4
Int ernational
Human Rights Standards
Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights. Any distinc
tion,
exclusion, restriction or preference of any kind which hasthe purposeor effect of
nullitving or impairing the recognition, enjoymentor exercise, on an equal footing,
ot housing, land and propertyrights should be avoided.”>
10.
According to international human rights standards, internally displaced persons,
including those displaced by natural disasters,” are entitled to the enjoymentof
the right to an adequate standard ofliving, which includes access to essential food,
potable water, basic shelter and housing, appropriate clothing, essential medical
services and sanitation.”~" These standards must be enjoyed by all affected without
discrimination.~**
il.
When considering its response to Typhoon Yolanda, government authorities must
give special attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups, such as women,
unaccompanied minors, expectant mothers, mothers with young children, families
whose head of household was injured or killed, persons with disabilities, and the
elderly to provide them with the protection and assistance that is required by their
condition of vulnerability? The needs of the vulnerable including minorities
and indigenous peoples must be given special attention during any community
consultations on the topic of resettlement and alternative housing assistance.*°
The Commission considers that these standards require the Government to ensure
that anyassistance provided in response to Typhoon Yolandais rendered onthe basis
of need. The Commission urges all local governmentunits and national government
agencies to prioritise those individuals and families who are most in need of aid
when delivering assistance measures, including temporary shelter and resettlement.
Ph ilippine Law on Non-Discrimination in Disaster Response
The Omnibus Guidelines on Shelter Assistance require that those families most in
need are given priority in the delivery of post-disaster support. Families shall be
eligible for shelter assistance if their monthly income falls below the monthly food
threshold amount determined by the Philippine National Statistical Coordination
Board.>!
The Omnibus Guidelines on Shelter Assistancealso state that for both ae shelter
35 Principle 4. UM Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. See also, fer eecarrinte Astle1.1 international
Covenant on the Ekmmation of Ail Forms of Racial Discrimination.
pdm
% introduction. Section 2, UN Guiding Principles on Intemal Displacement.
at Prcaple 16. UNGuiding Principles onintemal Displacement,
ae ig, Princepies 18 and 22.
,
a? 4d, Princaple 4.
BS Pancpla 14, Unc Natons Prins on Housand PropertyReston for Refgoes and DisplacedPersons
{Pinheiro Principles).
a
xu See. Vit4 K1.2}, Department of Social Welfare andDevelopment, AdministrativeOrder No 17sets 02050, “3
Oninious Guidelines on ShelterAssistance.