MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Organizations in this city whose top-most purpose is serving the internally displaced persons (IDPs) presented an eight-point agenda focused on achieving transitional justice.

During the recent dialogue hosted by the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) together with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Janidah Pangadapun of the Reclaiming Marawi Movement (RMM) bared that they pray for their agenda to be fulfilled with the help of the government and partner development organizations. 

Accordingly, this included the continuous highlighting of advocacy for safe, voluntary, and dignified 'kambalingan' or return of Marawi IDPs to the most affected area (MAA), and formulation of policies geared to protect and advance the welfare of IDPs. 

Moreover, it incorporated the documentation of narratives through conflict-sensitive community conversations, deliberative processes, and truth-telling interventions while giving attention to support systems and infrastructures to achieve progress for the compensation and reparation for IDPs.

The agenda also included an emphasis on fostering collaboration with relevant government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and legislative bodies to seek resolutions for land conflicts and the disposition of residents. 

Simultaneously, advocacy, campaigns, and programs were to be advanced to address gaps in humanitarian assistance provided to IDP communities. These focus areas encompassed essential aspects like psychosocial support, livelihood, and healthcare.

The intention to sustain the relationship between civil society and the Bangsamoro government was likewise cited to ensure progress in transitional justice efforts. It is a vital component of the normalization track stipulated in the comprehensive agreement.

Meanwhile, the same agenda indicated a determination to increase inclusive participation in IDP-led peace and capacity-building activities organized under the durable solution and transitional justice frameworks while enabling mechanisms for collaborative engagement and convergence of IDPs, civil society organizations, women, youth, and other marginalized sectors would be established.

Seeing the worthy target of the eight-point agenda, GCERF Executive Director Dr. Khalid Koser assured that they would treat this as an essential list of priorities as they would continue funding their partners to implement programs for people in this city. 

“This agenda will not go in vain. The GCERF will be here beside you. We are here to support you,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)