World Refugee Day 2017: Film Screening Invites Filipinos to Stand #WithRefugees

In commemoration of World Refugee Day 2017, UNHCR Philippines held a special screening of “Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust” last 20 June in Makati City. The documentary film narrated how Jewish families escaped persecution during the rise of Nazism in Europe and found safe haven in the Philippines.

Through heart-wrenching accounts from survivors, the documentary recounted how Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon, US High Commissioner Paul McNutt, Army Colonel Dwight Eisenhower, and the five Frieder brothers planned for the rescue of European Jews and their families.

With current global displacement figures hitting unprecedented numbers, the film screening invited guests to honor the courage and resilience of refugees and internally displaced families all over the globe. The documentary also served to remind Filipinos of the country’s rich humanitarian history.

In attendance during the film screening were President Quezon’s sole surviving child Zenaida “Nini” Quezon-Avanceña, his grandson and prolific writer and television host Manuel “Manolo” L. Quezon III, and journalist Atom Araullo, who was introduced for the first time by UNHCR Philippines as its advocate.

One of the attendees was Zenaida “Nini” Quezon-Avanceña (left), daughter of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

UNHCR Philippines thanks its supporters for standing #WithRefugees.

Remembering the Filipino spirit of bayanihan

Even before the country formalized its immigration policies and even before it became a State party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Filipinos have long embodied the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and bayanihan—the epitome of Filipino unity.

Since 1923 when the first wave of “White Russians” sought solace in the Philippines, the country has been opening its doors to those fleeing war, conflict, violence, and persecution. The nine waves of refugees finding a safe haven in the Philippines are further proof of this country’s commitment to providing for those most in need.

Yasser Saad, UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office, said that the documentary offered the audience the unique opportunity to recall the country’s rich history of providing humanitarian support.

“At a time when expressions of solidarity are becoming rare, at a time when inward-looking, security-focused policies become dominant, Filipinos remain a beacon of hope and humanitarian spirit,” he highlighted.

This message was echoed by President Quezon’s grandson Manolo who emphasized the importance of compassion. “You do not have to have a religion or a nationality to understand that basic compulsion that should be in every one of us,” he said. “The story you will see tonight is of opening doors—so that those who have nothing may have something and those who have lost everything may have a tomorrow, with children, with families, with security, and with hope.”

Standing together #WithRefugees

Yasser Saad, UNHCR Philippines Head of National Office, said that the documentary offered the audience the unique opportunity to recall the country’s rich history of providing humanitarian support. “At a time when expressions of solidarity are becoming rare, at a time when inward-looking, security-focused policies become dominant, Filipinos remain a beacon of hope and humanitarian spirit,” he highlighted.

“You do not have to have a religion or a nationality to understand that basic compulsion that should be in every one of us,” said writer, television host, and historian Mr. Manuel L. Quezon III, grandson of former President Manuel L. Quezon.

Mr. Atom Araullo, who serves as an advocate for UNHCR Philippines, also addressed the audience during the event. “The numbers we’ve heard today paint a picture of a crisis that may seem too big to comprehend,” described Mr. Araullo, who has extensively covered forced displacement in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. “But as a journalist, I have also witnessed that no action is ever too small. All of us can act as individuals, either through a donation or an expression of solidarity; every action counts. The world needs a collective commitment to help those fleeing conflict, violence, persecution, and natural disasters,” added Mr. Araullo.

The Global Trends Report recently released by UNHCR showed that as of the end of 2016, 65.6 million live in displacement.

“By any measure, this is an unacceptable number and it speaks louder than ever to the need for solidarity and common purpose in preventing and resolving crises. It also shows the urgent need to ensure that displaced families are protected and cared for until solutions are found,” said Mr. Saad. “UNHCR remains committed to providing them with life-saving protection and long-term solutions, but we are unable to do this alone,” he added.

With the number of individuals displaced by war, conflict, or persecution hitting unprecedented levels for three years now, Mr. Saad called on the audience to take action. “This evening, we recall that all of us here are bound by our shared humanity. We mark World Refugee Day with the optimism that together, we can address the immense challenges that lie ahead.”

Mr. Araullo, who also serves as an advocate for UNHCR Philippines, also addressed the audience during the event. “The numbers we’ve heard today paint a picture of a crisis that may seem too big to comprehend,” described Mr. Araullo, who has extensively covered forced displacement in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest storm in recorded history. Haiyan hit the central Philippines in 2013, claimed thousands of lives, and left millions without homes.

“But as a journalist, I have also witnessed that no action is ever too small. All of us can act as individuals, either through a donation or an expression of solidarity; every action counts. The world needs a collective commitment to help those fleeing conflict, violence, persecution, and natural disasters,” added Mr. Araullo.

In his final remark, Mr. Quezon, who is also featured in the documentary, added: “Thank you for standing with refugees tonight and may this story compel you to make that stand in the times needed—in your lives and in your circle of friends.”

UNHCR Philippines thanks Ayala Malls Cinemas for generously supporting the event.

UNHCR Philippines Head of Office Mr. Yasser Saad and UNHCR Advocate Mr. Atom Araullo invite you to stand #WithRefugees.

Stand together #WithRefugees by pledging your support and signing our petition today.