EU Support to the Peace Process

Members of  European Parliament visit Mindanao to express support for the Peace Process

In the framework of their visit to the Philippines, the 7 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) flew to Cotabato City, Mindanao, on 13-14 February to express their support to the peace process between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The European Parliament which is the only directly-elected institution of the European Union acts as co-legislator, budgetary authority, and oversight body. It follows the situation in the Philippines closely with a particular focus on the issues of human rights and the ongoing peace processes. Through the issuance of resolutions, it has constantly advocated for a peacefully negotiated settlement of the conflicts and for the provision of EU support thereto.    

 

GPH, MILF, and EU join conflict affected communities to launch project on demining of previous fighting areas

On February 14, 2013, the Government of the Philippines, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the European Union officially launched an action to clear previous fighting areas in Mindanao from explosive remnants of war. The event took place in Mother Kabuntalan, one of the municipalities in which fighting occurred leaving unexploded ordnances in its surroundings.

 

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton congratulates the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the conclusion of a framework peace agreement pdf - 86 KB [86 KB]

 
 

EU Ambassador unveils peace murals and reiterates EU's commitment to the Peace process pdf - 31 KB [31 KB]

To support the month of Peace launched by President Benigno Aquino III on 14 September, EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux unveils peace murals and billboards at Cotobato City Airport on 25 September. The murals and billboards are based on paintings of the children of Maguindanao who participated in a competition organised by the International Monitoring Team in cooperation withe Department of Education of ARMM.

Pictures are available at the photo library

Human rights training

As part of the EU support to the International Monitoring Team, the EU Human Rights expert, Cynthia Petrigh, conducted a training session for 60 participants on Human rights and International Humanitarian Law in Maguindanao on 28 January 2012.

Painting for Peace

A painting competition among children was launched earlier this year in an innovative approach of reaching out to communities in general, and children in particular, on the topic of peace. As many as 646 entries were received from pupils in 11 schools. The 12 winning contributions were awarded prices during a ceremony led by EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux in Cotabato City in February 2012.

Eminent 'peace process' persons visit the Philippines

The EU support to the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue of the International Contact Group made a visit to the Philippines of three eminent persons possible in May 2012.  Ambassadors Vendrell, Satti and Dr. Papagianni held discussions and shared experiences with different stakeholders in the peace process both in Cotabato City and Manila in their recent visit to the country.

Increased presence of women in the peace process

Launched in 2011, the Mindanao Peoples' Caucus 'All Women Team' has successfully managed to reach out and include more women participating in the peace monitoring and peace building activities in the Mindanao peace process. As one of the EU supported members of the Civilian Protection Component of the International Monitoring Team, the women-only contingent has already showed positive results in ensuring that more and more women take an active part in their future.