African-UN partnership to strengthen refugee protection: New initiatives to address the displacement crisis

Written by Omnia Hassan

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received the new United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, during his official visit to Ethiopia and the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

This meeting comes at a time when the African continent is facing increasing humanitarian challenges related to forced displacement and refugee flows as a result of conflicts, disasters and economic crises.

During the meeting, the Chairperson of the Commission congratulated the UN official on assuming his new position, stressing the African Union’s commitment to continue supporting efforts to enhance refugee protection and develop sustainable solutions that guarantee them a decent and stable life within host communities.

Discussion of the escalating humanitarian challenges

The talks focused on the humanitarian situation in Africa, particularly with regard to forced displacement and asylum, as the two sides discussed ways to expand the scope of permanent solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

These solutions included promoting local integration, supporting self-reliance programs, and enabling refugees to contribute to the economic and social development of the communities that host them.

Both sides also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes that drive millions of Africans to leave their homelands, foremost among them armed conflicts, political instability, the repercussions of climate change, as well as the economic challenges affecting many countries on the continent.

Praise for cooperation between the African Union and the Commission

For his part, the High Commissioner for Refugees praised the strength of the existing partnership between the African Union and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stressing his commitment to working to deepen this cooperation during the next phase.

He explained that addressing the displacement crisis requires greater coordination between regional and international institutions to ensure a more effective and sustainable response.

Leading African policies to support refugees

In contrast, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission praised the progressive policies adopted by many member states of the Union regarding the protection of refugees and their integration into host communities.

He also reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance the legal and social protection of refugees and displaced persons, and to provide them with opportunities for education, work and basic services.

This meeting reflects the African Union and the United Nations’ commitment to uniting efforts to address one of the continent’s biggest humanitarian issues, and to work towards finding long-term solutions that guarantee stability and dignity for millions of African refugees and displaced persons.