Since 2012, due to insecurity linked to terror groups’ attacks, Niger has constantly hosted refugees from Nigeria, Mali and Burkina Faso. Added to this, there are internally displaced persons and migrants in the country. As a result, Niger hosts more than 200,000 refugees, 213,000 migrants and 377,000 internally displaced people on its territory, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Niger office. The number of these three groups of people is increasing the demand for humanitarian care in Niger, as the country faces several shocks including security challenges  and the effects of climate change putting a strain on Niger’s socio-economic stability.

Niger, a host country for people in critical situations

Niger is a host country for many people in critical situations. According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the country currently hosts 580,838 people, of whom 48% are internally displaced persons (IDPs), 43% are refugees, 6% are returnees, 2% are asylum seekers and other people in situations of concern (mainly Burkinabés).

Most refugees are from Nigeria (73%) and Mali (21%). The majority of the population is young (58 percent young), with women accounting for 53 percent. Due to a continued deterioration of border security, Niger has been faced with recurrent  situations of forced displacement (exit and entry) since 2012, including the latest waves from Burkina Faso, Mali and northwestern Nigeria, according to the UN Refugee Office in Niger.

According to OCHA, about 3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants. These three groups represent respectively 251,000 for refugees, 377,000 for internally displaced persons and 213,000 for migrants, the OCHA Humanitarian Programming Cycle published in January 2023 pointed out by.

Challenges facing migrants and refugees in Niger

Migrants and refugees in Niger face many challenges. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), some 264,000 Nigeriens are internally displaced due to a range of factors, including deteriorating security and the effects of changing weather conditions, as well as overgrazing and deforestation.

Niger is also impacted by the instability in neighbouring countries, which has led to migration flows and refugee movements. Migrants in transit to North African countries often find themselves stranded in the desert and exploited by traffickers and smugglers, and are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have called for increased international support to address the challenges faced by migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons in Niger, as well as vulnerable host communities.

Ongoing commitment to helping people in dire situations 

“Niger continues to be committed to helping people in critical conditions. Despite the challenges the country is facing, such as food insecurity, difficult living conditions and insecurity in general. The Nigerien government and international organisations are working together to provide holistic assistance to people in need,” said the Interior Minister Hamadou Adamou Souley at  the Round Table on Humanitarian Assistance for Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants.

He continues: “Niger is a hospitable host countryble and thanks to the support of host communities, Niger will continue its commitment to these refugees, internally displaced and migrants so that they can feel comfortable on our territory.”

This includes, he said, urbanisation projects, livelihood opportunities, as well as protection programmes and comprehensive solutions for people that fall under UNHCR. “Niger is an inspiring example of a country that is striving to help people in situations of concern despite the challenges it faces and all humanitarian organisations must lend a hand,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees on the sidelines of a visit to Niamey on 04 July 2023.

“Niger is a host country for many people in critical situations. The Nigerien government and international organisations are working together to provide holistic assistance to those in need. Despite the challenges the country is facing, Niger continues to commit to helping these people,” reiterated the Interior Minister Hamadou Adamou Souley.