The Philippine Online Chronicles

Presidential sister and human rights advocate Kris Aquino was named by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as its Goodwill Ambassador for Asia.

According to presidential political adviser Ronald Llamas, who recently attended a UNHCR conference in Geneva, Switzerland, the international body noted Aquino's proactive support for refugees, particularly those afflicted by war and conflicts in Palestine, Burma, Sudan, Somalia, and Mindanao.

For her part, Aquino, who is also known as a television host and actress, accepted the honorary post “in the spirit of the defending and upholding human rights.”

“Today, there are more than eight million refugees worldwide, despite the fact that we have moved forward from two world wars. As Asia's Goodwill Ambassador for refugees, I am duty-bound to be the voice of the helpless not only for the people of Mindanao, but for our Asian neighbors as well,” Aquino said in an exclusive interview with POC BALIW-TA.

Aquino explained that she will first help the current administration in helping and assisting the 600,000 internally displaced people in Mindanao, who are locally called bakwits. She said that genuine peace talks must be pushed and this must be done by having a Bangsamoro substate as a major step in ending the Mindanao conflict.

“The Bangsamoro's fight is no different from Palestine's and Tibet's struggle for liberation. If indeed my brother is serious in his platform anchored on good governance, then he must pay attention to our Moro brothers and sisters who have been yearning for a land of their own. Ultimately, by granting them liberation by way of a substate – at the minimum – would be a big step in sending Mindanaoan refugees back to their homeland,” Aquino further explained.

Aquino also vowed to visit conflict-torn countries in Asia like Palestine, Burma, Tibet, and Afghanistan while gathering support for spreading peace in Asia.

“I think concrete and viable steps must be mustered to end the cycle of displacement. First, we must educate the people about the Pinheiro Principles which ensures the right to housing and property restitution of refugees and displaced people. Another is the promotion and enforcement of the International Humanitarian Law as enshrined in the Geneva convention, which will ensure the protection of civilians in times of armed conflict.”

Meanwhile, Boy Abunda, Aquino's co-host in various television shows, congratulated her friend for her latest distinction.

“Kris has been a human rights defender despite her hectic schedule in showbiz. In fact, her dedication in advancing human rights has been one of the reasons why she can't maintain her love life,” Abunda said.

Aquino's fans likewise congratulated their idol on various social networking site. Most of them have pledged their commitment to advancing human rights.

This article is made of half-truths and whole lies (although the facts and figures relevant to the issue of refugees presented here are true). For serious news, click here.