The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Chaloka Beyani, will be in the country on July 19-31 and will visit areas affected by disasters to observe the overall humanitarian response and rehabilitation efforts being undertaken by the government for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Dr. Beyani is a Zambian national and professor of International Law at the London School of Economics. His extensive practice and published works cover the field of human rights, international criminal and humanitarian law, and humanitarian and population displacements (including internal displacements). He has also acted as an advisor to a number of UN agencies and other international organizations.

Dr. Beyani will be met by the members of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) who will then brief him on the current state of IDPs in various disaster-affected areas in the country.

Included in his itinerary will be his visit to the IDPs of the Zamboanga City siege, Maguindanao armed conflict, and Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

He will also meet with the members of the House Committee on Human Rights.

Another highlight of his visit is his participation to the Metro Manila-wide earthquake drill July 30.

DSWD Sec. Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the country visit of Dr. Chaloka is a welcome development. “We recognize the expertise of Dr. Chaloka. His visit to our country is timely especially at a time when we continue to face the challenge of the new normal.  I am sure that his inputs will be useful in enhancing our existing humanitarian efforts.” ###