Benin reaffirms commitment to refugee protection on World Refugee Day 2026

Natitingou hosts official celebrations for displaced persons

The city of Natitingou became the heart of national celebrations on June 20, 2026, as the Maison des Jeunes hosted the official events for World Refugee Day. This year’s gathering brought together high-ranking officials and international partners to reflect on the challenges and progress of refugee integration within the country.

The opening ceremony was led by Djibril Mama Cissé, the Minister of the Interior and Public Security. He was joined by Aminatou Sar, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bénin, and Thomas Wyllie, the Deputy Regional Director of the UNHCR for West Africa. The event featured several key moments, including formal addresses, a tour of exhibition stands showcasing economic initiatives led by refugees, and a symbolic tree-planting session.

A global theme focused on universal safety

Under the international theme “Until everyone is safe,” this edition aimed to spark deeper conversations about the plight of those seeking asylum globally. Recent data highlights the significant role Bénin plays in this humanitarian effort, currently hosting 29,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 14,000 individuals awaiting official status determination.

During her speech, Aminatou Sar noted that while these figures represent a substantial responsibility for the nation, they also demonstrate the profound generosity of the government and the people of Bénin. She emphasized that the United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the state in providing essential services, including food security, healthcare, education for children, and psychological assistance for the displaced.

Strengthening the legal and social framework

Minister Djibril Mama Cissé described World Refugee Day as a vital opportunity to show solidarity with those forced to flee their homelands due to violence, conflict, or persecution. He remarked that the 2026 theme serves as a reminder that safeguarding refugees is a collective duty requiring international cooperation and human empathy.

The Minister assured that Bénin continues to bolster its legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that refugees can access fundamental rights such as employment, social protection, and education. Despite the complexities of the current regional security environment, he reiterated the government’s firm stance on the right to asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. He explained that national security and international protection are balanced through rigorous identification and registration processes.

The ceremony also included remarks from Norbert Tido N’dah, the First Deputy Mayor of Natitingou, and Albert Nacoulma, representing the refugee community. Nacoulma pledged that those seeking refuge would continue to respect the laws of Bénin and contribute positively to social harmony. The day concluded with the planting of trees, symbolizing growth and the shared future of all residents in the country.