The Youth Center in Natitingou served as the venue on Saturday, June 20, 2026, for the official events marking World Refugee Day 2026 in Benin.

The opening ceremony was led by Djibril Mama Cissé, Minister of Interior and Public Security, alongside Aminatou Sar, UN Resident Coordinator in Benin, and Thomas Wyllie, Deputy Regional Director of the UNHCR for West Africa. The event featured speeches, exhibitions showcasing income-generating activities by refugees, and the planting of trees to symbolize environmental stewardship.

This year’s international theme, “Until everyone is safe”, underscores the urgent need to address the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. Benin currently hosts 29,000 recognized refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 14,000 pending cases, reflecting both the country’s commitment and the pressures it faces.

Aminatou Sar emphasized that while these numbers highlight the challenges Benin encounters, they also demonstrate the nation’s dedication to providing sanctuary. The UN system, she noted, remains steadfast in supporting Benin through initiatives ensuring food security, healthcare access, children’s education, and psychosocial support for displaced populations.

Djibril Mama Cissé, in his address, framed World Refugee Day as a moment to reaffirm solidarity with those forced to flee conflict, persecution, and violence. He stressed that the theme “Until everyone is safe” reflects a shared responsibility requiring international cooperation and humanity. Benin’s legal and institutional framework guarantees refugees access to essential services, including healthcare, education, employment, and social protection.

Despite regional security challenges, Minister Cissé reassured attendees of Benin’s unwavering commitment to asylum rights and the principle of non-refoulement. He highlighted effective mechanisms for identifying, registering, and monitoring refugees and asylum seekers that balance national security with international protection obligations.

Other speakers included Thomas Wyllie, Norbert Tido N’Dah (First Deputy Mayor of Natitingou), and Albert Nacoulma, a refugee spokesperson. Nacoulma pledged refugees’ adherence to Benin’s laws and their contribution to social cohesion.

The ceremony concluded with tree-planting activities and additional community engagement initiatives.