As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) stands in solidarity with the millions of refugees across the Great Lakes region and the world. We honour their resilience, dignity, and courage — and we reaffirm our collective responsibility to uphold the fundamental right to seek safety, for every person forced to flee.
A Region Still Confronting Forced Displacement
The Great Lakes region remains one of the most severely affected by forced displacement on the African continent. Millions of refugees continue to live in situations of protracted displacement, often for years or even decades, while host communities continue to demonstrate remarkable solidarity in the face of growing pressures. Yet across the region, refugees are also making important social, cultural and economic contributions to the communities that host them. When provided with the protection, legal certainty and opportunities envisaged by the Refugee Convention, refugees are not only able to rebuild their own lives, but also contribute to more resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies. As we mark the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, we … (Download)