World Refugee Day Statement: Solidarity with Refugees in the Horn of Africa
Today, on World Refugee Day, we take a moment to respect the resilience and courage of millions of refugees around the world, particularly those in our region. As we commemorate this day, I urge everyone to focus on and take decisive action regarding one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time.
The IGAD region stands as the largest refugee-hosting region globally, home to over 6 million refugees and asylum seekers as of 2025, representing 20% of the world’s refugee population. In other words, we host 1 out every 5 refugees in the world. In real terms, the East and Horn of Africa alone hosts nearly 5 million refugees, with the majority of these displacements being protracted, lasting over 15 years. These numbers are not merely statistics; they represent our men, women, and children who have endured unimaginable hardship and loss, yet continue to display remarkable strength, resilience, and determination to rebuild their lives. The ongoing Sudan conflict has triggered what is now recognized as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. This devastating conflict has resulted in massive displacement, with over 55.45 million people across our Member States requiring urgent food assistance. As I have emphasised in my engagements with UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, we must “redouble efforts in addressing the dire humanitarian situation and pervasive human suffering” that continues to unfold across our region.
As IGAD, we take immense pride in acknowledging and thanking our Member States for their progressive and integrative refugee policies. The Republic of Uganda leads globally with its remarkable integrated approach, granting refugees freedom of movement, the right to work, and access to social service, this is a model of inclusion that transforms displacement into opportunity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Republic of Kenya and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, who both demonstrate extraordinary solidarity by hosting significant numbers of refugees and asylum seekers within their communities. We also acknowledge ourHeadquarters the Republic of Djibouti’s generous hosting of refugees and South Sudan’s remarkable spirit in welcoming displaced populations even while facing its own internal challenges.
Our Member States consistently share limited resources while confronting their own development challenges, displaying remarkable generosity and spirit of solidarity that inspires our collective commitment to support sustainable solutions. At IGAD, we stand firmly alongside our Member States to uphold the principles of solidarity, inclusion, and protection for refugees and returnees.
Guided by the 2017 Nairobi Declaration and subsequent regional frameworks and action plans, we have made significant progress in advancing durable solutions, promoting self-reliance, and enhancing the protection environment for displaced populations. Through the World Bank-supported Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), we actively support refugee livelihoods, strengthen host community resilience, and transform displacement challenges into development opportunities that benefit both displaced and host populations.
The drivers of displacement in our region have become increasingly complex, extending beyond traditional conflict-related causes. As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, IGAD communities are increasingly susceptible to displacement from droughts, floods, environmental degradation, and climate- induced disasters. These non-conflict related causes of displacement compound traditional conflict-driven movements, creating complex humanitarian needs that require innovative and comprehensive responses. Economic instability further exacerbates these challenges, demanding that we address root causes while providing immediate protection and assistance.
This year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees,” aligns perfectly with IGAD’s unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of displaced populations for a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous region. We must intensify our efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance early warning systems, and build resilient communities capable of withstanding both conflict and climate-related shocks. IGAD remains resolute in its commitment to supporting all refugees, particularly the millions of Sudanese who have been forced to flee their homes, and we reaffirm our strong solidarity with the countries generously hosting them.
As IGAD, we reaffirm our commitment to collaborating with national governments, international partners, UNHCR, civil society organizations, and refugee-led organizations to implement inclusive and gender-responsive policies that enable refugees and displaced persons to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Werecognize that sustainable solutions require not only humanitarian assistance but also development approaches that address the structural causes of displacement and build long-term resilience. On this World Refugee Day, let us not only celebrate the extraordinary resilience of refugees but also reaffirm our shared responsibility toward sustainable solutions.
The courage and determination of displaced populations demands nothing less than our sustained solidarity, innovative partnerships, and decisive action to transform displacement challenges into opportunities for regional prosperity and lasting peace.
H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu
Executive Secretary,
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
Download the attached Speech in PDF below.
