Official Statement: World Refugee Day By: H.E. Amb. Amma Adomaa Twum-Amoah Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development

20 June 2025 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Today, on World Refugee Day, the African Union Commission (AUC) joins the international community in affirming our unwavering support and solidarity with all refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons across Africa and around the world. This day serves as an important moment to honour the courage, strength and resilience of millions of refugees.  Under this year’s theme, “Mobilising Global Solidarity Towards Refugees”, we issue a resounding call for collective responsibility in protecting those who have lost their homes, communities and safety.

As the continent continues to host more than 13 million refugees, the African Union commends the unwavering commitment of its Member States, communities and local partners who continue to uphold the dignity, rights and protection of refugees and forcibly displaced persons, often under challenging economic, social-political and environmental circumstances.

Solidarity with refugees entails not only listening to their voices and honouring their experiences but also ensuring that they are integrated meaningfully in the communities that host them by increasing efforts in implementing the AU Kampala Convention and the OAU Refugee Convention. The African Union recognises the multifaceted drivers of forced displacement, including conflict, terrorism, effects of climate change, economic and political instability, that continue to impact populations across the continent. These complex dynamics place additional strain on host communities, public infrastructure and environmental resources.

Considering these challenges, the African Union recognises the remarkable efforts of its Member States in responding favourably to displacement and urges the international community to scale up technical and financial support to bolster Africa’s humanitarian response especially, the rapid operationalisation of the African Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). The Commission calls for intense commitment, enhanced partnerships, predictable funding and joint action to safeguarding protection, ensuring access to essential services, creating conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return and advancing durable solutions for refugees and host communities alike.  

As the African Union pursues its Agenda 2063 vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Africa, we reaffirm our commitment to regional and international frameworks that uphold the rights of refugees. The Commission seizes this opportunity to call upon all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, development and international partners, to renew their collective commitment to refugee protection and assistance.

I encourage all parties to continue working together to build a future where no refugee is left behind — one where solidarity is demonstrated not only through words but by concrete, coordinated and sustained action. As H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the immediate past Chairperson of the Commission, aptly stated: ‘’In marking World Refugee Day, we are reminded that true solidarity goes beyond expressions of goodwill. It requires sustained and meaningful action. Africa’s continued generosity toward those seeking protection is a testament to our shared values of humanity and Pan-Africanism’’.

Let us honour this call by renewing our commitment to support refugees with tangible efforts that reflect our collective responsibility and compassion

Solidarity means more than shelter, it means justice, opportunity and dignity. On this day, let us recommit to building systems that uphold the humanity of every displaced person and let our words be matched by transformative, lasting action. Let us remember: the call for solidarity is not one of charity, but of shared humanity and justice. Today and every day, we renew our resolve to uphold the rights of refugees and ensure no one is left behind.

I thank you.