The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA) has challenged governments, international organizations, media institutions, civil society groups and citizens around the world to take bold and practical steps toward protecting refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and displaced persons, warning that growing displacement across the globe demands urgent action rather than mere expressions of sympathy.
The advocacy organization made the call in a statement commemorating Refugee Week 2026, observed internationally under the theme, “Courage.”
The statement, signed by ARRA Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Okey Ezugwu, described the theme as a fitting reflection of the daily struggles and resilience of millions of people forced to flee conflict, persecution, terrorism, human rights abuses and environmental disasters.
According to the organization, Refugee Week serves not only as a period of recognition but also as a moment for serious reflection on the responsibility of governments and institutions toward vulnerable populations.
“We note that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the realities faced daily by millions of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, stateless persons, and internally displaced persons across the world,” the statement said.
ARRA explained that the theme celebrates people who continue to pursue safety and dignity despite unimaginable challenges.
“It 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.”
The organization noted that displaced persons are not merely victims of circumstance but individuals whose contributions and resilience deserve recognition and support.
“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.”
Growing Humanitarian Challenge
ARRA expressed concern over the scale of forced displacement worldwide, describing it as one of the defining humanitarian challenges of the current era.
According to the organization, millions of people remain trapped in difficult conditions after being uprooted from their homes.
“Today, forced displacement has reached unprecedented levels globally,” the statement noted.
The foundation warned that many refugees and migrants continue to face severe obstacles in accessing basic services and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives.
“Across continents, millions of vulnerable persons continue to face immense challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, employment, legal protection, shelter, and durable solutions.”
Particularly troubling, ARRA said, is the vulnerability of women and children, who frequently face heightened risks within displacement settings.
“Women and children remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, abuse, and discrimination.”
A Call for Courage Beyond Refugees
While applauding the resilience of displaced populations, ARRA stressed that the burden of courage should not be placed solely on those who have suffered displacement.
The organization argued that governments and institutions must display equal courage by implementing effective policies and addressing the factors that continue to force people from 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.”
It added: “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.”
ARRA maintained that meaningful solutions must focus not only on humanitarian assistance but also on tackling conflict, insecurity, poverty, environmental degradation and governance failures that contribute to displacement.
Nigeria’s Strategic Responsibility
The organization also highlighted Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in refugee protection and migration management.
“Nigeria occupies a strategic position in Africa and has consistently played a significant role in refugee protection and migration management within the region,” ARRA stated.
However, the foundation noted that existing efforts must be strengthened if the country is to effectively respond to current and future displacement challenges.
“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.”
Among other recommendations, ARRA urged the Federal Government to strengthen the implementation of refugee and migration protection laws, improve institutional capacity, expand access to education and healthcare, and provide greater opportunities for economic inclusion.
The organization also advocated improved legal documentation systems, stronger inter-agency coordination and sustainable integration programmes designed to foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.
Global Solidarity Needed
ARRA emphasized that the burden of responding to refugee crises should not be carried by developing countries alone.
“The global displacement crisis requires collective responsibility and international solidarity,” the statement said.
According to the foundation, countries in Africa and other developing regions continue to host large refugee populations despite facing significant economic and developmental constraints.
“Developing countries continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of hosting refugees despite limited resources and competing development priorities.”
The organization therefore called for increased financial assistance, technical support and expanded refugee resettlement opportunities.
It also urged greater investment in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustainable development programmes designed to address the root causes of forced migration.
ARRA further called for stronger international cooperation in addressing climate-related displacement and combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks.
NGOs Described as Key Stakeholders
The advocacy group commended non-governmental organizations for their contributions to refugee protection and humanitarian assistance.
“Non-governmental organizations continue to serve as critical partners in protecting the rights and welfare of refugees and migrants. Their advocacy, humanitarian interventions, and legal support services remain indispensable.”
The organization urged NGOs to intensify public education campaigns, expand legal aid services and support refugee-led initiatives that empower displaced persons to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Citizens Must Reject Xenophobia
ARRA also appealed directly to citizens around the world, stressing that refugee protection is a shared responsibility.
“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 foundation encouraged members of the public to reject xenophobia, discrimination and misinformation while promoting understanding, empathy and social cohesion.
It also called on communities to create opportunities for meaningful engagement and integration between displaced populations and host societies.
Media Must Speak Truthfully
In one of the strongest sections of its statement, ARRA underscored the responsibility of the media in shaping public attitudes toward migration and displacement.
“The media remains one of the most powerful institutions in shaping public understanding of refugee, asylum, and migration issues,” the organization said.
According to ARRA, journalists and media organizations have a crucial role to play in promoting balanced narratives and countering misinformation.
“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 warned that refugees and migrants are increasingly becoming targets of misinformation, stereotypes and sensational reporting.
“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 urged media practitioners to amplify the experiences and contributions of displaced persons, challenge discriminatory narratives and educate the public about the legal and humanitarian dimensions of migration.
The foundation further called on journalists to hold governments and institutions accountable for commitments made toward refugees and asylum seekers.
“As the world commemorates Refugee Week 2026, 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.”
Strengthening Protection Systems
The organization also advocated reforms aimed at improving refugee protection frameworks globally.
Among the measures proposed were stronger asylum determination systems, improved legal safeguards, enhanced access to justice, better registration and documentation mechanisms, and stronger regional cooperation among African countries.
ARRA additionally called for human-rights-based migration governance frameworks capable of balancing national security concerns with humanitarian responsibilities.
Commitment to Human Dignity
Concluding its statement, ARRA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of refugees and displaced persons while calling for a global response rooted in compassion and shared responsibility.
“As we commemorate Refugee Week 2026, ARRA reiterates that courage must translate into meaningful action.”
The organization emphasized that the world cannot afford to remain indifferent to the suffering of displaced populations.
“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.”
Reaffirming its mission, ARRA pledged to continue advocating for the rights, dignity, protection and inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and displaced persons in Nigeria, across Africa and throughout the world.
“Together, we can create a future where every person forced to flee finds safety, protection, opportunity, and hope,” the statement concluded.
