The displacement of Mindanao residents due to fighting between government forces and secessionist rebels has become a complex situation, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees UNHCR) has admitted. Bernard Kerblat, operations manager of the UNHCR in Manila, admitted this in a meeting with the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Cotabato City. “Certainly, there is a complex situation and big number of individuals who are still displaced,” he was quoted as saying in an article posted Thursday on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website. “Presently, we are on the listening mode but we are keen on doing short-term, immediate and doable measures leading to a relatively comprehensive plan of action for refugees,” he added. The meeting in Cotabato City Wednesday sought to discuss concerns on people forced to flee their homes because of the fighting in Mindanao. Kerblat and his Japanese colleague attended the meeting. Representing the IMT were Maj. Gen. Datuk Baharum Bin Hamzah, head of mission and his chief of staff and secretariat. Toks Ebrahim, chairman of the MILF Ceasefire Committee, and his head of secretariat were also present. Kerblat manifested the intention of the UNHCR to assist the refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) to return to their home. “We started the work on how to contribute in best possible ways in collaboration and cooperation with government and MILF authorities as well as the civil society organizations working for the return, restitution and rehabilitation of the refugees and IDPs,” he said. “We have to start small, little by little and to become an active part of the solution addressing the plight of the refugees and IDPs in Mindanao,” he added. He said keeping the refugees and IDPs at the evacuation centers is not an option as this is not safe and dignified. Baharum said all involved must help to ensure that the refugees have shelters, livelihood and properties to return to when it is already safe for them to return.
