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ABUJA — The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA) has called for stronger global commitment to refugee protection, migration governance and humanitarian assistance, warning that rising levels of forced displacement require urgent and coordinated action from governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, the media and citizens worldwide.

Speaking as the world marked Refugee Week 2026 under the theme, “Courage,” the organization said the international observance should serve as a reminder that while millions of displaced persons continue to display remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, the responsibility for addressing their plight rests on the collective conscience of humanity.

In a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Okey Ezugwu, ARRA said the theme aptly captures the experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, stateless persons and internally displaced persons who have been compelled to abandon their homes because of circumstances beyond their control.

According to the organization, the theme celebrates “the extraordinary courage of individuals and families who have been forced to flee persecution, armed conflict, terrorism, human rights violations, environmental disasters, and other circumstances beyond their control, yet continue to demonstrate resilience, hope, and determination in rebuilding their lives.”

ARRA noted that Refugee Week goes beyond recognition of the sacrifices and struggles of displaced populations, stressing that it presents an opportunity for the international community to reflect on its obligations toward vulnerable people seeking safety and protection.

“The Refugee Week provided an important opportunity not only to recognize the strength and contributions of displaced persons but also to reflect on our collective responsibility to create a world where human dignity, protection, inclusion, and justice are guaranteed for all,” the statement said.

The organization expressed concern over the increasing scale of displacement worldwide, describing the situation as one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of the modern era.

“Today, forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels globally,” ARRA said. “Across continents, millions of vulnerable persons continue to face immense challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, employment, legal protection, shelter, and durable solutions. Women and children remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and discrimination.”

Courage Must Not Be Left to Refugees Alone

While applauding displaced persons for their resilience, ARRA emphasized that the burden of courage should not fall exclusively on those forced to flee their homes.

“As the world continues to reflect on the theme of Courage, ARRA emphasizes that courage must not be demanded solely of refugees and displaced persons,” the statement declared.

“Governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals must also demonstrate the courage to act decisively in addressing the root causes of displacement and strengthening protection systems for those in need.”

The advocacy organization argued that meaningful solutions require political will, institutional reforms and sustained investment in protection mechanisms capable of responding to contemporary migration and displacement realities.

Nigeria Must Lead by Example

ARRA described Nigeria as a key player in refugee protection and migration management across Africa, noting that the country’s leadership role places additional responsibilities on its institutions.

“Nigeria occupies a strategic position in Africa and has consistently played a significant role in refugee protection and migration management within the region,” the statement noted.

“While notable efforts have been made over the years, much more remains to be done to strengthen institutional safeguards and improve the welfare of displaced populations.”

The organization urged the Federal Government to strengthen implementation of refugee and migration laws, improve institutional capacity among agencies responsible for asylum and humanitarian response, expand access to social services and enhance identity management systems for vulnerable populations.

ARRA also advocated sustainable integration programmes that encourage peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities, while calling for intensified efforts to address insecurity, conflict and environmental challenges that continue to drive displacement.

International Community Must Share Responsibility

The organization warned that refugee-hosting countries, particularly those in Africa and other developing regions, continue to carry a disproportionate burden despite limited resources.

“The global displacement crisis requires collective responsibility and international solidarity,” ARRA stated.

“Developing countries continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of hosting refugees despite limited resources and competing development priorities.”

To address this imbalance, ARRA called for increased financial and technical assistance to countries accommodating large refugee populations.

It also urged governments and international organizations to expand resettlement opportunities, strengthen family reunification programmes and support humanitarian admissions.

The organization further advocated increased investment in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustainable development initiatives designed to address the underlying causes of forced migration.

ARRA stressed the need for stronger cooperation in responding to climate-induced displacement and emerging migration challenges while calling for full implementation of international refugee and migration protection frameworks.

NGOs Described as Indispensable Partners

The advocacy group commended the contributions of non-governmental organizations in supporting displaced populations across the world.

“Non-governmental organizations continue to serve as critical partners in protecting the rights and welfare of refugees and migrants,” the statement said.

“Their advocacy, humanitarian interventions, and legal support services remain indispensable.”

The organization encouraged NGOs to intensify public enlightenment campaigns promoting inclusion and social cohesion while expanding legal aid services and supporting refugee-led initiatives.

It also urged civil society organizations to strengthen collaboration with governments, humanitarian agencies and private sector actors to improve outcomes for displaced populations.

Citizens Have a Responsibility

ARRA maintained that refugee protection cannot be left solely in the hands of governments and international organizations.

“The protection of refugees and migrants is not solely the responsibility of governments and institutions. Every individual has a role to play in building inclusive and compassionate societies,” the statement said.

The organization urged citizens to reject xenophobia, misinformation and discrimination targeted at refugees and migrants while promoting empathy and respect for human dignity.

It further encouraged community support initiatives, volunteerism and advocacy for policies that uphold international protection principles and human rights standards.

Media’s Role More Critical Than Ever

ARRA devoted significant attention to the role of the media, describing journalists and media organizations as powerful actors capable of influencing public understanding and policy discussions surrounding migration and displacement.

“The media remains one of the most powerful institutions in shaping public understanding of refugee, asylum, and migration issues,” the statement said.

“Through responsible journalism, the media can further help foster empathy, counter misinformation, promote evidence-based discourse, and amplify the voices of those who have been displaced.”

The organization expressed concern that refugees and migrants are increasingly subjected to stereotypes and misinformation, making balanced reporting more important than ever.

“At a time when refugees and migrants are increasingly subjected to stereotypes, sensationalism, and misinformation, the role of the media in promoting balanced and accurate reporting has never been more critical,” ARRA said.

The group urged journalists to prioritize ethical reporting, challenge hate speech and xenophobic narratives, educate the public on migration realities and ensure displaced persons are active participants in public discourse.

ARRA also called on media professionals to highlight positive stories of refugee resilience and contributions to society.

“ARRA believes that the media must demonstrate the same courage celebrated by this year’s theme by speaking truthfully, reporting responsibly, and using its influence to build more informed, compassionate, and inclusive societies,” the statement added.

Call for Stronger Protection Systems

Beyond immediate humanitarian interventions, ARRA advocated long-term reforms aimed at strengthening institutional protection mechanisms.

The organization called for more efficient asylum determination procedures, enhanced legal safeguards for refugees and migrants, improved documentation systems and greater access to justice for victims of exploitation and abuse.

It also advocated increased investment in conflict prevention and early warning systems, stronger regional cooperation among African countries and migration governance frameworks that balance security concerns with humanitarian obligations.

According to the organization, refugees and migrants should also be given greater opportunities to participate in policy development and programme implementation processes affecting their lives.

‘A Just and Humane World Cannot Be Built on Indifference’

Concluding its message for Refugee Week 2026, ARRA called for a shift from symbolic expressions of solidarity to concrete actions that improve the lives of displaced persons.

“As we commemorate Refugee Week 2026, ARRA reiterates that courage must translate into meaningful action,” the statement declared.

“The courage demonstrated by refugees and displaced persons in overcoming adversity should inspire governments, institutions, organizations, and individuals to act with greater determination and compassion.”

The organization warned that indifference remains one of the greatest threats facing vulnerable populations around the world.

“A just and humane world cannot be built on indifference. It must be built on solidarity, shared responsibility, respect for human rights, and a collective commitment to protecting the vulnerable.”

ARRA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and displaced persons, expressing confidence that collective action can create a safer and more inclusive future.

“Together, we can create a future where every person forced to flee finds safety, protection, opportunity, and hope,” the statement concluded.