CSOs unite in the official launch of the Civil Society Network on Statelessness – Philippines

PLCPD stands in unity with fellow members of the Civil Society Network on Statelessness – Philippines (CSNS-P) in the network’s official launch and public forum on July 10, 2025. The significant event is hosted by the UP College of Law – Institute of Human Rights with support from UNHCR Philippines.

With a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) first signed in 2022 and reaffirmed by its members in early 2025, the formation of the CSNS-P is rooted in years of solidarity and shared action. Guided by human rights principles, and in support of the Philippine Government’s National Action Plan (NAP) to End Statelessness and its international commitments, the members of the network rise together to protect, promote, and uphold the rights of stateless persons and populations at risk of statelessness.

The official launch of the network aims to strengthen the call for the recognition and protection of stateless persons and populations at risk of statelessness. Discussions during the public forum highlighted the impact of the lack of legal identity, such as discrimination and the inability to access basic services.

PLCPD serves as the chairperson of the CSNS-P’s advocacy cluster. Ms. Gel Reyes of PLCPD led the discussion on the role of civil society organizations in addressing statelessness and in pushing for urgent legislative advocacies concerning stateless persons and populations at risk of statelessness, namely, Comprehensive Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Bill, Gender-Responsive Amendment to Naturalization Bill, Facilitated Administrative Naturalization Bill, and the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Bill. She emphasized the importance of the CSNS-P in forging a stronger, united coalition in advocating for these inclusive legislations that seek to address statelessness. #EndStatelessness #CSNSPLaunch