The Maison des Jeunes in Natitingou hosted the official events for the 2026 World Refugee Day on Saturday, 20 June 2026.

The opening ceremony was led by Minister of Interior and Public Security, Djibril MAMA CISSE, alongside the UN Resident Coordinator in Bénin, Aminatou SAR, and the Deputy Regional Director of UNHCR for West Africa, Thomas WYLLIE. The event featured speeches, visits to exhibition stands showcasing income-generating activities by refugees, and a tree-planting ceremony.

“Until everyone is safe” was this year’s international theme, prompting reflection on the situation of refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. Current figures show that Bénin hosts 29,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 14,000 individuals awaiting refugee status.

In her address, Aminatou SAR noted that these numbers reflect significant pressure on the country but also highlight the dedication of the Béninese government and its people to welcoming and protecting refugees. She assured that the United Nations system remains fully engaged alongside Bénin, working daily to protect displaced persons, ensure access to food and healthcare, guarantee education for children, and provide psychosocial support.

Minister Djibril MAMA CISSE described the World Refugee Day as a key moment to reaffirm solidarity with those forced to flee persecution, conflict, and violence. He emphasised that the theme “Until everyone is safe” underscores that refugee protection is a shared responsibility requiring solidarity, humanity, and cooperation between international organisations and communities. He assured that Bénin guarantees refugee protection through a strengthened legal and institutional framework, granting access to essential services in health, education, employment, and social protection.

Despite the current security context, MAMA CISSE reiterated Bénin’s commitment to the right to asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. He stated that national security imperatives and international protection demands can be reconciled through effective identification, registration, and monitoring mechanisms for refugees and asylum seekers.

The official launch also featured remarks from Thomas WYLLIE, Natitingou’s Deputy Mayor Norbert Tido N’DAH, and refugee spokesperson Albert NACOULMA. NACOULMA reaffirmed the refugees’ pledge to respect Béninese laws and regulations and to contribute to social cohesion.

The ceremony concluded with the planting of tree saplings and other activities.