Philippine Judiciary’s Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons Takes International Stage
December 13, 2022
The Supreme Court’s Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons took the international center stage during the Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Migration Judges (IARMJ) held in Newcastle, Australia on November 22-25, 2022.
Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez, who led the country’s delegation, presented the salient features of the said Rule, which was a significant highlight of the Conference.
A.M. No. 21-07-22, or the Rule on Facilitated Naturalization of Refugees and Stateless Persons, which was approved by the Supreme Court on February 15, 2022, governs the procedure for the filing of petitions for naturalization by refugees and stateless persons recognized by the Philippine Government.
The Philippine Judiciary is` the first in the world to issue such a procedural rule.
Justice Lopez ably demonstrated to participating judges and decision-makers from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand and the Philippines who are involved in protection and migration matters how the Philippine Supreme Court brought to the fore this Rule as a model of good practices, reflecting on the significant judicial reform measures that are being undertaken in providing better access to justice for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo sent an official delegation to the Conference through the Special Committee on the Rule for Facilitated Naturalization for Refugees and Stateless Individuals upon the invitation of Sean Baker (current President of the IARMJ Asia Pacific Chapter and Chair of the Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal) and the IARMJ Organizing Committee, and with the support of development partners such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Manila Office) and The Asia Foundation,
Justice Lopez, as Vice Chairperson of the Special Committee, led the delegation. He was joined by Special Committee Member Judge Maria Josefina G. San Juan-Torres of the Morong, Rizal Regional Trial Court, Br. 79 and Special Committee Secretariat Atty. Helene Rashida Penilla. The Special Committee is chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando.
Judge Torres also delivered a brief discourse on Philippine refugee claims during one of the breakout sessions and presided over the plenary session on Language and Intermediaries.
The entire IARMJ Conference covered topics on asylum and migration within the nexus of cultural constructs, as well as provided an avenue to highlight emerging issues and lessons learned, and forge consultation and solidarity among decision-makers within the region. (Courtesy of the Office of Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez)