As we commemorate World Refugee Day, today, 20 June 2024, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all African Union member states, Regional Economic Communities, humanitarian partners and all stakeholders worldwide, including refugees and asylum seekers.
This year’s theme, “Galvanizing International Solidarity with Refugees, Redoubling Efforts Towards Refugee Education to Advance Solutions,” resonates profoundly with the African Union’s commitment to address the challenges faced by those forced to flee their homes. This year also serves as the Fifty Fifth (55) year of the commemoration of the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.
While commending our member states for their steadfast solidarity and generosity in hosting refugees and displaced persons, we also acknowledge the challenges it comes with. Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to uphold their commitment of working together to overcome these hurdles.
The African Union Commission is committed to refugees and displaced persons’ inclusion, and this is enforced by the establishment of the African Humanitarian Agency, to be hosted by a member state yet to be determined by the forthcoming 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra. This Agency will serve as a cornerstone of the African Humanitarian Architecture, providing a comprehensive platform for humanitarian action and response on the continent. It will strengthen our capacity to address multifaceted needs of refugees and displaced populations, such as, access to quality education, and safeguarding their fundamental human rights.
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The 2024 African Union theme of year, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” speaks to our efforts to promote refugee education and inclusion. This theme serves as a clarion call for us to double our efforts in providing relevant skills and learning opportunities that unlocks the potential of refugees and displaced persons, to become self-reliant, resilient, and active participants in building a prosperous Africa fit for the 21st century through their vital contributions to their host nations and reconstruction of their countries of origin.
The African Union Commission is resolute in its commitment to supporting member states in their efforts to provide inclusive and equitable education for refugees at all levels, from early childhood to tertiary, and vocational training. We commend the initiatives undertaken by member states and the Regional Economic Communities to adopt pledges focusing on the inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless persons in national systems.
On this World Refugee Day, the African Union Commission renews its call for increased international solidarity and support. We urge our humanitarian partners, and the international community to join us in mobilizing resources, fostering partnerships, and implementing policies that prioritize refugee education. Only through collective action can we break down all barriers, and create an enabling environment for refugees’ access to quality education, and rebuild their lives.
In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to solidarity and collective action, ensuring that no refugee is left behind in the pursuit of quality education. In unism, we will unlock the transformative power of education, foster social cohesion, and pave the way for durable solutions that empower the lives of refugees and displaced persons.
I thank you.
