Saturday, 20 June 2026

World Refugee Day: Kebbi Agencies Call for Greater Inclusion of Refugees, IDPs


By Hauwa Muhammad 

As the world marks World Refugee Day 2026, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and the National Orientation Agency in Kebbi State have called on Nigerians to end discrimination and stigmatization against refugees and internally displaced persons.

The appeal was made during a media parley in Birnin Kebbi by the North-West Zonal Coordinator of the Commission, Alhaji Armiya'u Shuaibu, who described refugees and displaced persons as victims of circumstances beyond their control who deserve compassion, protection and support from host communities.

According to him, many refugees and IDPs have been forced to flee their homes due to conflicts, insecurity, natural disasters and harsh living conditions, making it necessary for communities to embrace them and provide a sense of belonging.

He noted that this year's World Refugee Day theme, "Until Everyone is Safe," underscores the need for collective action to protect vulnerable populations and uphold their right to seek safety and dignity. The United Nations says the day is dedicated to honouring the courage and resilience of people forced to flee conflict and persecution worldwide.

Speaking earlier, the Kebbi State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Nasir Karofi, urged residents to speak out against all forms of inhuman treatment of refugees and displaced persons, stressing that social inclusion remains key to building peaceful and resilient communities.

He said, "No one is safe until everyone is safe. We must see refugees and IDPs as part of our communities and give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Karofi commended the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, and the First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, for sustaining social welfare programmes that support displaced persons across the state.

Globally, the United Nations estimates that tens of millions of people remain forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence and persecution, with humanitarian agencies continuing to advocate stronger protection, access to education and economic opportunities for refugees and host communities.

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