Benin renews commitment to refugee protection on world refugee day 2026

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the official events for World Refugee Day 2026 took place at the Maison des jeunes in Natitingou, Benin.

The opening ceremony was led by Djibril MAMA CISSE, Minister of Interior and Public Security, alongside Aminatou SAR, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Benin, and Thomas WYLLIE, Deputy Regional Director of the UNHCR for West Africa. The programme included speeches, a tour of exhibition stands showcasing income-generating activities run by refugees, and a tree-planting session.

“Until everyone is safe” was the international theme chosen this year to encourage reflection on the situation of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. According to updated figures, Benin currently hosts 29,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 14,000 individuals awaiting refugee status.

In her remarks, Aminatou SAR noted that these numbers place real pressure on the country, but also highlight the commitment of the Beninese government and its people to welcoming and protecting refugees and asylum seekers. She reaffirmed the UN system’s continued support for Benin, working daily to protect displaced persons, ensure access to food and healthcare, guarantee children’s education, and provide psychosocial assistance.

Djibril MAMA CISSE stated that World Refugee Day offers a key opportunity to reaffirm solidarity with those forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, and violence. He emphasized that this year’s theme, “Until everyone is safe,” reminds us that refugee protection is a shared responsibility requiring solidarity, humanity, and cooperation among international organisations and communities. He assured that Benin ensures refugee protection through a reinforced legal and institutional framework, allowing refugees to access essential services in health, education, employment, and social protection.

Despite the current security context, the minister reiterated Benin’s and its government’s commitment to the right of asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. He stated that national security imperatives and international protection requirements can be reconciled through effective mechanisms for identifying, registering, and monitoring refugees and asylum seekers.

The official ceremony also featured remarks from Thomas WYLLIE, Norbert Tido N’DAH (first deputy mayor of Natitingou), and Albert NACOULMA, the refugee spokesperson. NACOULMA reaffirmed the refugees’ pledge to respect Benin’s laws and regulations and to work toward better social cohesion.

The event concluded with the planting of several saplings and other activities.