EUROPEAN ambassadors to the Philippines, led by the European Union’s (EU) Franz Jessen, recently visited Cotabato City to reiterate the bloc’s commitment to support the peace process and development in Mindanao.
Jessen was with member-states envoys Jan Top Christensen of Denmark, Marion Derckx of the Netherlands, Harald Fries of Sweden, József Bencze of Hungary, Bita Rasoulia of Austria, Michel Goffin of Belgium and Mihai Sion of Romania on October 2 and 3 traveling to the city in southern Philippines.
Jessen said, “Our visit to Mindanao demonstrates the EU’s continuous support for the Mindanao peace process and development in the region.”
He added, “While there are still many challenges which lie ahead, we remain hopeful that peace and stability will be restored soon in Mindanao. We call on peace stakeholders to remain steadfast with their commitment to help push for peace-building in Southern Philippines.”
The representatives’ visit promoted the culture of peace that has marked the very creation of the EU, which is based on efforts to overcome divisions and promote peace.
“The EU’s DNA is peace,” the EU diplomat told everyone, and reminded that the EU received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.
The union has set itself the goal of promoting peace in other parts of the world, including the Philippines.
During the tour, the Europeans met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, United Nations Mindanao Humanitarian Team, the International Monitoring Team (IMT), as well as non-governmental and civil-service organizations in Mindanao.
In the Philippines the EU and its member-states have supported the peace process through all available means from the political level, support to mediation, practical confidence-building measures at the grassroots level to financial support for victims of conflict.
As a member of the IMT, the EU has ensured respect of human rights and protected civilians threated by violence.
Over the years, the EU has adapted its funding programs to the changing needs of the peace process, targeting support for increasing inclusiveness through various information and consultation activities, demining and education related to mine risks, monitoring through the third-party monitoring team and protection of human rights.
Funding is also provided for income-generating activities, particularly through the Mindanao Trust Fund, to ensure that peace dividends are perceived and felt by the affected areas’ populace.
Image credits: Mark Navales