Bénin renews commitment to refugee protection on world refugee day 2026

Natitingou’s Maison des Jeunes hosted the official celebrations for the 2026 World Refugee Day on Saturday, 20 June 2026.

The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Djibril MAMA CISSE, Minister of Interior and Public Security, alongside Ms. Aminatou SAR, UN Resident Coordinator in Bénin, and Mr. Thomas WYLLIE, Deputy Regional Director of UNHCR for West Africa. The event featured speeches, visits to exhibition stands showcasing income‑generating activities carried out by refugees, and a tree‑planting session.

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

In her address, Ms. Aminatou SAR noted that these numbers reflect real pressure on the country but also highlight the dedication of the Béninese government and its people to welcoming and protecting refugees and asylum seekers. She assured that the United Nations system remains fully mobilized alongside Bénin, working daily to protect displaced persons, ensure access to food and healthcare, guarantee children’s education, and provide psychosocial support.

Mr. Djibril MAMA CISSE stated that World Refugee Day is a key moment to reaffirm solidarity with people 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 organizations and communities. Bénin, he assured, guarantees refugee protection through a strengthened legal and institutional framework, enabling refugees on Béninese soil to access essential services in health, education, employment, and social protection.

Despite the current security context, Mr. Djibril MAMA CISSE reiterated Bénin’s and its government’s commitment to the right of asylum and the principle of non‑refoulement. He stressed 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 launch also heard from Mr. Thomas WYLLIE, Deputy Regional Director of UNHCR for West Africa; Mr. Norbert Tido N’DAH, first deputy mayor of Natitingou; and Mr. Albert NACOULMA, spokesperson for the refugees. Mr. NACOULMA reaffirmed the refugees’ promise to respect Bénin’s laws and regulations and to work for stronger social cohesion.

The ceremony concluded with a tree‑planting exercise and other activities.