Ministers from seven IGAD nations have renewed their commitment to bolstering refugee protection and integrating displaced populations across East Africa and the Horn. The Nairobi meeting produced a joint statement aimed at easing the load on host countries. This addresses the rising challenges of displacement driven by conflicts and climate shocks.
The ministers' meeting, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), took place in Nairobi on Thursday, involving officials from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya. They signed a joint statement emphasizing regional mechanisms to improve conditions for refugees and internally displaced persons, while reducing the burden on host nations.
IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu attended and called on governments to tackle the refugee crisis with "transparency, unity, and firm commitment." He stated, “In a region where 26.3 million people live away from their homes not by choice but by circumstance, we can no longer think of displacement as a rare event.” He also warned that 123 million people worldwide lack homes, noting that if they formed a nation, it would rank as the tenth largest globally.
As the host, Kenya outlined its progress under Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen. He highlighted that over 121,000 students in camp schools now receive school meals, and more than 100,000 refugees are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Fund. These efforts align with the 2017 Nairobi Declaration and the 2022 Mombasa Compact.
Dr. Workneh praised advancements in other IGAD countries, such as Djibouti's protection systems, Ethiopia's integration into national development plans, and cross-border cooperation between South Sudan and Sudan. However, he cautioned against risks from climate shocks and ongoing conflicts. The meeting builds on prior agreements like the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention and pledges from the 2019 and 2023 Global Refugee Forums.
IGAD nations host some of the world's largest and longest-standing refugee populations from South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with partners including UNHCR and the World Bank in attendance.