Djibouti Concludes National Refugee Week with Renewed Focus on Inclusion and Long-Term

DJIBOUTI CITY, July 2, 2026 - Djibouti has concluded the second edition of National Refugee Week with a renewed commitment to strengthening refugee protection, promoting social cohesion, and advancing durable solutions to the challenges posed by forced displacement. Held from June 20 to 25, the week-long event brought together government institutions, development partners, humanitarian organizations, refugee representatives, community leaders, and host communities to discuss strategies for improving inclusion and fostering peaceful coexistence. Participants focused on strengthening dialogue between refugees and host populations while addressing the humanitarian, economic, and social challenges associated with displacement. The discussions emphasized the importance of coordinated action to build resilient communities and expand opportunities for displaced people. Many of the activities were conducted under the Refugee and Host Community Inclusion Project (PIRB), implemented with support from the World Bank in partnership with the Urban Rehabilitation and Social Housing Agency (ARULOS). The initiative promotes an integrated approach combining refugee protection, economic inclusion, skills development, and community empowerment. Youth engagement and innovation featured prominently throughout the program. Working with the Center for Technology and Innovation for Development (CTID), organizers introduced activities designed to equip young refugees and members of host communities with practical skills for the digital age. In Holl-Holl, community dialogue sessions encouraged greater understanding and trust between refugees and local residents, while technology and science workshops in Ali-Addeh introduced young participants to innovation and digital skills, highlighting education and creativity as important tools for social integration and long-term resilience. During the closing ceremony, the president of the Association of Refugees in Djibouti expressed appreciation for the country's longstanding commitment to hosting refugees, recognizing the support provided by national authorities and local communities over several decades. He also highlighted the significance of Djibouti's 2017 refugee legislation, noting that it expanded refugees' access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and broader participation in the country's economic and social life. The Executive Secretary of the National Office for Assistance to Refugees and Disaster Victims (ONARS) stressed that growing humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, climate change, and declining international funding have increased the need for stronger partnerships and sustained international support. He called for greater investment in youth development, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and skills-building initiatives, describing them as essential for strengthening refugee self-reliance and enhancing the resilience of host communities. Officials also acknowledged the contributions of humanitarian and development partners, including UNHCR, the World Bank, ARULOS, and CTID, whose support helped facilitate the event. The week concluded with participants endorsing a Charter of Peaceful Coexistence, which will serve as a roadmap for future efforts to promote peace, inclusion, and social cohesion. The initiative reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to addressing forced displacement through policies centered on solidarity, shared responsibility, innovation, and sustainable human development while reinforcing its reputation as a regional model for refugee protection and inclusion.