Natitingou’s youth center played host on Saturday, June 20, 2026, to the official ceremonies marking World Refugee Day 2026.

The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Djibril Mama Cissé, Minister of Interior and Public Security, Aminatou Sar, UN Resident Coordinator in Bénin, and Thomas Wyllie, Deputy Regional Director of the UNHCR for West Africa, featured speeches, visits to income-generating exhibition stands run by refugees, and the planting of trees.

This year’s international theme, “Until everyone is safe,” highlights the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. Official figures show Bénin currently hosts 29,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 14,000 pending status determination.

Aminatou Sar underscored the significant pressure these numbers place on the country while commending its commitment to protecting displaced populations. The UN system, she affirmed, remains fully engaged in supporting Bénin through protection measures, access to food and healthcare, education for children, and psychosocial support.

Minister Djibril Mama Cissé emphasized that World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of shared responsibility in safeguarding those fleeing persecution, conflict, and violence. He highlighted Bénin’s strengthened legal and institutional framework, ensuring refugees in the country access essential services in health, education, employment, and social protection.

Despite regional security concerns, he reaffirmed Bénin’s adherence to the principle of non-refoulement and its commitment to balancing national security with international protection obligations through robust identification, registration, and monitoring mechanisms.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Thomas Wyllie, Deputy Regional Director of UNHCR for West Africa, Natitingou’s deputy mayor Norbert Tido N’dah, and refugee spokesperson Albert Nacoulma. Nacoulma reiterated refugees’ pledge to respect Bénin’s laws and contribute to social cohesion.

The event concluded with tree-planting activities and other community engagements.