Written by The Philippines is the 3rd ranking country in Southeast Asia in terms of displaced persons. The country is among the top 40 nations around the world where internal displacement is said to be a major problem. The MCPA is an organization of Muslims and Christians working on peace and conflict transformation in the country from their Internal Displacement Monitoring Center based in Geneva, Switzerland.
It is said that the war in Mindanao, that has been continuing now for the last 17 months, has produced the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world. The war is estimated to have forced out 750,000 people from their homes.
The government’s recent military activities, claiming that it’s fighting a war on terrorism, is one of the leading causes of displacement in the country, particularly in Mindanao. It has been particularly hard in Mindanao for much of the population over the past 13 years. It’s important that the rights of IDP’s be respected under any circumstance, and that they will be provided with food and water, basic shelter, clothing and medicine. They also will receive dental services and bathing abilities.
The country is trying to help IDP’s, but with the sheer volume of displaced persons makes it very hard. The conflict across the country has caused many, including large numbers of infants and children, to stray from their homes. With no where to go, uncertain of what to do next, these people need help. This is a problem that happens all over the world, particularly in Asia and Africa.
