World Refugee Day, marked every 20 June since 2001, honours the millions of individuals displaced from their homelands due to conflict, political instability or natural disasters. This year’s official ceremony took place at the Centre international du commerce extérieur du Sénégal (CICES) in Dakar, Senegal, with the theme: ‘Solidarity with Refugees’.

On 20 June, representatives of the Senegalese government, the United Nations system, humanitarian organisations, and families of refugees living in Senegal gathered to mark World Refugee Day. 

Speaking on behalf of Vice-Admiral Omar Wade, Colonel Amadou Moussa Ndir highlighted Senegal’s progress in supporting refugees. Since 2019, over 400,100 people have been granted refugee status, and 5,397 cases are currently being processed in line with the 1951 Geneva Convention. Colonel Ndir also praised the strong partnership between the Senegalese government, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organisations in advancing refugee protection efforts.

The United Nations System representative, Filippo Grandi, delivered a sobering message, stating that “123 million people are currently forcibly displaced worldwide. In West Africa, this figure stands at 12.7 million — a 48% increase since 2020.” 

He emphasised that the region is facing multiple, overlapping crises, including armed conflict, religious and ethnic tensions, extreme poverty, human rights violations and environmental degradation. He cited the situations in central Sudan and the Lake Chad basin as examples of these complex challenges. The representative also commended Senegal for hosting approximately 13,000 refugees, recognising the country’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian principles.

Refugees: challenges and resilience

The president of the refugee community, who was present at the ceremony, expressed heartfelt thanks to Senegal for providing security and a warm welcome to displaced persons. However, many refugees also voiced ongoing concerns, including delays in processing refugee cards and limited access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities. “Solidarity is the essential link that brings people together, strengthening our common humanity,” said one refugee, appealing for increased assistance to respond to the immediate needs of displaced people. 

In a video message broadcast from Damascus, Syria, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, acknowledged the remarkable resilience of the millions of people who have been forcibly displaced around the world. He noted that the number of displaced individuals has reached an all-time high, exacerbated by a concerning decline in international humanitarian aid. ‘Persistent conflicts — from Sudan to Ukraine, the DRC to Gaza — continue to inflict profound human suffering. All too often, displaced individuals face stigma and marginalisation,” he lamented.

Call to action for a more equitable future

Despite the many challenges, Mr Grandi highlighted a glimmer of hope in the form of the return of two million Syrians to their country following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December. “Today, I met families returning home after spending more than ten years in exile. Their emotions reflect their deep attachment to their homeland,” he said. He paid tribute to host countries, acknowledging the immense pressure they are under while continuing to open their doors to those in need. He also urged wealthier nations, financial institutions and private companies to increase their support. ‘Supporting these generous host countries is essential to keeping the flame of solidarity alive.’

Mr Grandi concluded with an optimistic message: “Even in a world plagued by instability, it is possible to rebuild and to hope. United in action, we can ensure that refugees, drawing on their strength and ingenuity, help forge a future rooted in equity and humanity.’