Today is World Refugee Day. Observed annually on 20 June, the day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and to honour their resilience and courage. 

By the end of 2024, an estimated 123.2 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, human rights violations and climate-related disasters. This represents an increase of 7 million people or 6 per cent compared to the end of 2023.

World Refugee Day was initially known as Africa Refugee Day before the UN General Assembly officially designated it as an international day on 4 December 2000. The day was first observed globally on 20 June 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. The 2025 theme is “Solidarity with Refugees”.

World Refugee Day is not just a symbolic gesture; it serves three critical functions:

• Awareness and advocacy – it highlights the urgent and evolving needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and asylum seekers, particularly their rights to protection, safety and dignity.
• Solidarity and inclusion – it calls on governments, civil society and other stakeholders to foster and promote empathy and shared responsibility, countering xenophobia and exclusion.
• Recognition and hope – it acknowledges the contributions of refugees to their host societies and emphasises the importance of long-term solutions, including resettlement, local integration and voluntary repatriation.

Africa is host to approximately 30 million IDPs, refugees and asylum-seekers, representing almost one-third of the world’s refugee population. Contributing factors include conflict in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, as well as droughts, floods and climate insecurity in the Sahel, Horn of Africa and Southern Africa. Countries such as Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda host large numbers of African refugees.

African NGOs play a critical but often overlooked and underappreciated role in responding to displacement crises across the continent. They are often the first responders and the last line of defence, managing refugee camps, delivering essential humanitarian assistance, advocating for policy changes and supporting long-term integration. African NGOs provide a wide range of services, including emergency relief, education, psychosocial care, livelihood support, legal aid and protection for vulnerable groups. Their efforts are particularly vital in protracted crises, where displacement can last for years or even decades without resolution.

However, despite their essential contributions, African NGOs often face chronic underfunding, limited inclusion in policy-making processes and insufficient political support. The funding cuts introduced by the US government and others since the start of 2025 have exacerbated the challenges facing refugees and impacted the ability of African NGOs to support them.

World Refugee Day is, therefore, an opportunity to highlight both the challenges faced by refugees and the vital role played by African NGOs that support them.

The following profiles highlight the work of 30 African NGOs dedicated to addressing refugee-related issues. These organisations are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, but many also operate in other African countries.

(Refer to https://tinyurl.com/3s2n8z3r for my article about the work of 15 African NGOs focussing on humanitarian issues, which I published on 20 August 2024 to coincide with World Humanitarian Day. While most of these NGOs also support refugees, they are not included in the World Refugee Day article.)    

Please note that the information for the profiles of these 30 African NGOs was provided directly by the organisations themselves.  

#  African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA) (South Africa)

“World Refugee Day is not only a celebration of strength, but a reminder of duty. It is a test of our collective humanity. ARMA reaffirms its commitment to stand with refugees and migrants – against all odds, against injustice, and for a future rooted in human rights, compassion, and dignity for all.” Malipo Lukandamiza, Director, ARMA

ARMA envisions a just society free of xenophobic, racist and sexist violence and behaviour, particularly against asylum seekers, refugees and international migrants in South Africa and worldwide. Founded in 2018, it focuses on the protection, empowerment and upliftment of displaced, disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals, assisting them in achieving their human rights, safety, and a sustainable, sound livelihood and well-being.

With an inherent understanding of the difficulties faced by these communities and families, ARMA seeks to dismantle the various forms of abuse and injustices they experience and support their development and growth. Its primary programmes and activities cover human rights advocacy, pro-bono legal aid, social cohesion, victim empowerment, community development and skills development.

ARMA has already supported more than 8 000 people. In 2020, the South Africa Prestige Awards recognised it as the “Best Humanitarian Charity of the Year”.

ARMA is a member of the Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF) and was granted UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status in 2022.  It also maintains relationships with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Nelson Mandela University Refugee Rights Centre and various other local and international organisations.

#  African Refugee Council (ARC) (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

“On the occasion of World Refugee Day, ARC reaffirms its commitment to defending the fundamental rights of all forcibly displaced people. This day is a call for empathy, solidarity and collective action to build a future where no one is left behind.” Remy Wasingya Kakule, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ARC

ARC’s mission is to promote an inclusive and sustainable approach to humanitarian aid through integrated programmes in protection, education, health, food security and peace-building. It supports the well-being, protection and empowerment of refugees, internally displaced people and host communities. Founded in 2018 in response to the multiple humanitarian crises affecting the Great Lakes region, it places human dignity at the heart of its mission and acts as a bridge between vulnerable populations and opportunities for social and economic recovery.

At the core of its commitment, ARC stands out for its initiatives tailored to the real needs of communities. It has notably collaborated with 180 Degrees Consulting to design an intervention model based on field data, community feedback and measurable impact. This collaboration has helped ARC to improve the effectiveness of its actions, particularly in refugee youth education, access to mental health care and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Active in several high-risk areas in eastern DRC, ARC works in displaced persons camps, community schools and rural health centres. It prioritises partnerships with local authorities, community leaders and sister organisations to ensure the sustainability of its actions.

ARC’s team is young, multidisciplinary and deeply rooted in local realities. It represents a new generation of African humanitarian actors committed to social justice, environmental issues and inclusive governance. Looking ahead, ARC is developing projects that combine climate resilience, civic education and community entrepreneurship and calls on its partners to join in building sustainable, human-centred solutions

#  African Refugee Women Led Network (ARWNET) (Malawi)

“World Refugee Day is a crucial moment for the network of refugee women’s organisations, enabling them to strengthen their voice, advocate for their rights and promote solidarity and support within the community. It is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and contributions of refugee women, while calling for concrete action to improve their situation.” Cecile Losamandjo Pango, Chairperson, ARWNET

ARWNET is a continental initiative dedicated to advancing the rights, leadership and socio-economic inclusion of organisations led by refugee and migrant women across Africa. Founded in 2022, it responds to the misrecognition and exclusion of organisations run by refugee and migrant women and girls in policy, development and humanitarian spaces. It aims to elevate their voices, strengthen their agency, and position them as central actors in shaping Africa’s migration and development agenda.

ARWNET’s mission is to strengthen the capacity of women and girls leaders to contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes and policy dialogues, while advocating for their inclusion and participation at local, national, international, and global levels through advocacy, coordination and partnership. It brings together refugee women-led organisations, host community actors, civil society leaders and development stakeholders to form a collaborative platform that empowers, connects and mobilises displaced women across borders.

Headquartered in South Africa, with operational reach across Africa and the Diaspora in Australia and the United States, ARWNET seeks to institutionalise national chapters in key host countries, facilitate interregional learning and build strategic partnerships with national governments, the African Union, UN agencies and grassroots organisations. Its programmes span advocacy, leadership training, economic empowerment, digital inclusion and research.

Between 2022 and 2024, ARWNET successfully mobilised 55 organisations led by refugee and migrant women and girls in 17 countries across Africa’s five regions. Supported by Oxfam International Kenya, it organised a summit in December 2024 in Nairobi to promote empowerment, leadership and resilience among refugee women across Africa. In April 2025, supported by Oxfam International and facilitated by Amnesty International, ARWNET conducted advocacy training sessions to equip women leaders to advocate effectively for their rights and those of their communities.

#  Aider Refugee Initiative (ARI) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and support those forced to flee their homes. It is imperative that the international community recommits to providing adequate resources and support to ensure refugees can live with dignity and hope.” Ismail Hussein Ismail, Executive Director, ARI

ARI envisions a future where refugee communities and asylum seekers in Uganda lead, thrive and shape the systems that impact their lives. Founded in 2017, it provides refugees and asylum seekers, primarily in urban areas such as Kampala, with vocational training and professional development, secures employment pathways and amplifies their voices.

ARI’s programmes and services also include advocacy workshops to empower refugees to advocate for their rights, community integration initiatives to promote solidarity between refugees and host communities, and language and professional development interventions to enhance communication and job readiness.

In terms of its recent achievements, ARI advocated for refugee inclusion in the Ugandan Youth Startup Bill and Parish Development Model, trained over 50 young refugee women as activists and empowered 150 individuals with language skills in 2024-2025, promoted community integration through joint refugee-host community activities, such as city cleaning campaigns, and amplified refugee voices on documentation issues at national, regional, and global levels.

ARI partners and collaborates with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Women’s Refugee Commission, Global Refugee Youth Network, Makerere University School of Business, Amahoro Coalition and YARID. It is also a member of refugee-led organisations (RELONs) at the national, African and global levels.         

#  Association of Refugees with Disability (ARD) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day is a moment to affirm that no one should be left behind, not because of displacement and certainly not because of disability. At ARD, we use this day to remind the world that refugees with disabilities are not just vulnerable – they are resilient, capable, and deserving of inclusive support and opportunity.” Muombamungu James, Executive Director, ARD

ARD is among the few African organisations working specifically at the intersection of disability and forced displacement. Founded in 2010, it started as a small support group for refugees with disabilities who were often excluded from mainstream humanitarian assistance. Over time, it has grown into a recognised refugee-led organisation advocating for the rights, inclusion and dignity of refugees with disabilities in Uganda. ARD operates in urban Kampala and across six refugee settlements, namely Kiryandongo, Kyaka II, Kyangwali, Majji, Nakivale and Rwamwanja.

Led by persons with disabilities, ARD’s mission is to raise awareness about disability and advocate for the rights of refugees with disabilities, ensuring their full inclusion in humanitarian response and national development programmes. It envisions a dignified, respected, and empowered community of refugees with disabilities that actively participates in decision-making processes affecting their lives.

ARD’s core objectives include promoting inclusive education, ensuring equitable access to health and rehabilitation services, fostering economic empowerment, and facilitating full participation in policy and humanitarian action. It fosters information-sharing among refugees with disabilities and collectively addresses common challenges, lobbies for equal rights and appropriate rehabilitation services for all refugees with disabilities, and promotes the integration of refugees with disabilities in education, livelihoods and development initiatives.

ARD’s core programmes include livelihood and skills training, such as tailoring, arts and crafts and entrepreneurship; inclusive education and health advocacy, including teacher training and provision of accessible learning materials; access to rehabilitation and SRHR services, with a special focus on girls and women with disabilities; legal aid and civic engagement, through policy advocacy and community dialogues; disability-inclusive humanitarian response, particularly during emergencies and disaster risk reduction; and family reunification for refugees, with a specific focus on refugees with disabilities.

In 2025, ARD launched the I-ACCESS Project, a pioneering initiative to promote inclusive employment and comprehensive livelihoods for refugees with disabilities. The project trained CEOs, team leaders, district officers and HR managers in disability inclusion and inclusive employment practices.

ARD’s work has been recognised through support from the Disability Rights Fund, UN Women, Oxfam, Humanity & Inclusion, YARID and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP).

#  Association of Refugee Women in Uganda (AORW-U) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day is a global occasion dedicated to honouring the strength, resilience and contributions of refugees worldwide. It raises awareness about the challenges faced by displaced individuals and advocates for their rights, protection and inclusion. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity, urging governments, organisations and communities to work toward sustainable solutions that ensure refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity. By celebrating their perseverance and highlighting their stories, the day fosters compassion and encourages collective action in support of displaced populations.” Ndeze Veronique Sandra, Director, AORW-U

AORW-U is a women-led organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and empowerment of refugee women and girls. Founded in 2021, it began as a small support group of Congolese refugee women who met regularly to discuss their challenges and well-being. Over time, it expanded to include refugee women from Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan, creating a diverse and inclusive network.

AORW-U’s mission is to facilitate access to essential resources while supporting and advocating for refugee women and girls to lead safe, fulfilling and meaningful lives. It focuses on gender-based violence prevention, economic empowerment, education and psychosocial support to help refugee women rebuild their futures.

AORW-U runs vocational training programmes in tailoring, hairdressing, plumbing, electrical work and welding to equip refugee women with marketable skills. It also offers English literacy courses, climate-resilient agriculture training and access to financial services to foster self-reliance and integration. It also distributes agricultural seeds, supports small business startups, and covers school fees for refugee girls, ensuring educational continuity.

Since its inception, AORW-U has empowered over 15 000 refugees through tailored interventions, including food assistance, leadership training and community engagement. It actively collaborates with local NGOs, women’s rights networks and humanitarian actors to amplify its impact and advocate for policy reforms that benefit refugee communities.

AORW-U is working toward regional collaboration within the East African humanitarian framework, aiming to expand its reach and influence refugee policy discussions at the national level.

#  Consortium for Refugees and Migrants In South Africa (CoRMSA) (South Africa)

“We join the global community in commemorating World Refugee Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of refugees, as well as the continued need to uphold their rights and dignity. It is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of refugees and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure their protection and inclusion. On this day, we renew our commitment to building a just, compassionate and inclusive society where refugees are welcomed, supported and empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity.” Thifulufheli Sinthumule, Director, CoRMSA

CoRMSA is a national network of 29 member organisations dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees, stateless persons and migrants in South Africa and the broader SADC region. Founded in 1998, it promotes access to justice and provides a forum for collective advocacy and action, as well as capacity-building and awareness programmes for its members, civil society organisations, and the broader public.

CoRMSA’s main programmes and activities include advocacy and lobbying, including policy submissions, coordination and network building, capacity-building, community engagement and dialogue, rights awareness and information sharing. Its members include legal practitioners, community-based refugee- and migrant-led organisations, advice offices, academic institutions and social service providers.

One of CoRMSA’s key activities is to engage in advocacy and lobbying at national and regional levels to promote and protect the rights of non-South Africans in the country. In particular, CoRMSA engages with governments, international organisations and other stakeholders to enact new or amend existing legislation and policies that promote these rights.

CoRMSA collaborated with the Helen Suzman Foundation to litigate against the cancellation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP). The matter went as far as the Constitutional Court, where the court ruled in its favour. In 2021, CoRMSA presented to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development as part of the public hearings on the Children’s Amendment Bill (B18-2020] and in 2020, made a submission on the Draft Amendment to the Regulations on the South African Citizenship Act of 1995.

CoRMSA also made submissions on the Gauteng Township Economic Development Bill, which included a chapter that restricted certain economic activities to South Africans only (this chapter was subsequently removed), the proposed Draft One Stop Border Post Policy and the Official Identity Management Bill. CoRMSA also made a submission to the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee on issues affecting migrants and citizens and was involved in an advocacy programme that aimed to defend the rights of migrants to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

CoRMSA is a member of the International Detention Coalition (IDC), a founding member of the Hate Crimes Working Group, which looks at hate crimes and hate speech-related issues, and a member of the UN Protection Working Group chaired by the UNHCR, which looks at the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees in the region. It also holds an observer status on the Southern Africa Migration Management Project (SAMM) Steering Committee, which is a collaborative effort on migration management for Southern Africa being implemented by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).           

#  East African Centre for Forced Migration and Displacement (EACFMD) (Kenya)

“World Refugee Day lends itself to all of us as an opportune moment to reflect on the root causes of displacement that continues to strip away freedoms and condemns millions to lead lives devoid of dignity. It’s a time for all relevant actors to highlight forcibly displaced persons’ yearning for inclusion, solutions and effective protection.” Benjamin Ng’aru, Co-Founder, EACFMD

EACFMD is East Africa’s first truly ‘local’ multi-disciplinary centre dedicated to the promotion of the scholarship and practice of international refugee law. Founded in 2019 by a team of highly qualified and experienced refugee law practitioners from East Africa, it aims to create a unique platform where researchers, scholars, practitioners, NGOs and refugee-led organisations from the ‘Global South’ interact and share with their counterparts from the ‘Global North’.

EACFMD’s founders were keen to address the disconnect between decades of welcoming displaced persons in the region and the absence of institutions that taught forced migration studies, as well as the limited practice of international refugee law and the continued retrogression of legislative and policy frameworks regarding displaced persons. Advocates in the region rarely practise refugee law despite its immense potential both at the individual case level and at the national and regional policy levels.

EACFMD focuses on the localisation of knowledge production and responses to forced displacement in the region. Its work revolves around the following broad thematic areas, namely climate change, conflict and displacement; refugee and IDP protection; refugee status determination procedures training; migrant and refugee education and inclusion; social cohesion and livelihoods; and complementary pathways.

In 2024, EACFMD established the Nairobi Programme in International Refugee Law, which was delivered in collaboration with the Refugee Law Initiative, based at the University of London. In 2025, it plans to roll out the Chaloka Beyani International Refugee Law Moot Court Competition aimed at introducing future policy-makers to forced migration studies.

EACFMD’s partners include the Centre for Global Development (CGDev), Refugees International, ILO PROSPECTS and the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa’s Research and Evidence Facility. It has previously collaborated with the Africa Climate Mobility Initiative (ACMI) and the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, which led to the ‘African Shifts‘ report. This report analysed current and future climate displacement in Africa and was presented at COP27.   

#  Egyptian Foundation for Refugee Support (EFRR) (Egypt)

“World Refugee Day is not only a moment of recognition, it is a call to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the displaced, standing in solidarity with them, and ensuring that justice, safety and dignity are not privileges, but rights.” Ahmed Badawy, General Manager, EFRR

EFRR is dedicated to protecting and promoting the legal rights of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in Egypt. Founded in 2008 by Egyptian human rights lawyers, it works to ensure access to justice and legal services for displaced individuals, regardless of their nationality, legal status or financial means.

EFRR’s mission is to uphold the principles of justice, equality and human dignity. Its core objectives include providing legal aid and representation in cases of detention, deportation and legal vulnerability; advocating for policies that safeguard refugee rights in Egypt; and promoting legal awareness and empowerment within refugee and host communities.

As the sole legal partner of UNHCR in Egypt, EFRR provides comprehensive legal services encompassing asylum, protection, and civil documentation. A key part of its work involves advocating for the timely registration of births within the 14-day window required by Egyptian law. It also assists refugees and asylum seekers in authenticating marriages and navigating legal matters related to divorce, child custody and alimony. Additionally, it supports clients in filing and following up on police reports, particularly in cases involving violence, abuse or exploitation.

To expand access beyond its Cairo office, EFRR conducts eight mobile legal clinics and awareness sessions each month in underserved areas, including Aswan and Alexandria. These clinics offer onsite consultations and legal education to refugees who cannot afford transportation or live far from central services. EFRR also operates a hotline and emergency response service for urgent legal protection needs, including swift intervention in detention cases, especially involving children and unaccompanied minors.

EFRR maintains a strong child protection focus, intervening in cases of abuse, neglect and trafficking. Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors are among its top priorities. It provides legal support, guidance, and safe referrals to ensure their protection and recovery within a survivor-centred approach.

From January 2024 to May 2025, EFRR provided 14 835 legal assistance and consultations to refugees and asylum seekers in Cairo, Aswan, Alexandria and elsewhere in Egypt.

Despite increasing challenges, including the 2024 regulation requiring residency permits, rising refugee numbers and funding cuts from key donors, EFRR continues to expand its outreach and services in response to growing needs. It is an active member of regional and international protection networks and collaborates with civil society actors, UN agencies and legal aid organisations across Egypt.

#  Fountain of Hope Africa (FOH) (Malawi / Democratic Republic of the Congo)

“On World Refugee Day, I pause to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or disaster. At FOH, we work every day alongside forcibly displaced people, especially in places like Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to ensure that displacement does not mean disconnection from hope, dignity or opportunity. This day reminds us that refugees are not just survivors of crisis – they are students, parents, entrepreneurs and leaders. They deserve safety, access to education and the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. Let today renew our commitment to building a world where every displaced person is seen, protected and empowered to thrive.” Marcel Cirhuza, Executive Director, FOH

FOH is a community-rooted development and humanitarian organisation that supports refugees and host communities at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, as well as communities affected by war and poverty in eastern DRC (South and North Kivu). It was founded in 2010 by Marcel Cirhuza, a refugee who escaped the atrocities in eastern DRC. Having lived in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp for 11 years, Marcel’s experience stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of forcibly displaced individuals and their capacity to become agents of change for other survivors.

FOH’s mission is to craft adaptable and long-lasting solutions for underserved communities through education, empowerment and advocacy. Its main programmes focus on education, livelihood and WASH. It provides basic education to refugees and host communities at Dzaleka Refugee Camp, where its school has hosted 1200 students every year since 2015. It also runs an accelerated education project in Bukavu, DRC, focusing on children aged 12 to 17 who have been affected by war and have never attended school. In terms of livelihood, FOH supports economic empowerment through business skills, vocational training and access to finance via micro-loans. Its WASH focus includes water supply to refugees at Dzaleka Refugee Camp and running an emergency response project in Goma and Bukavu in the DRC.

In terms of its achievements in recent years, FOH has also trained more than 700 people in business management, provided 600 loans, assisted the launch of 131 small businesses, supported over 200 farmers, enabled 500 youth to access an online certificate programme at Cornell University, assisted 1002 vulnerable families to receive unconditional cash transfers during the global pandemic, enabled water supply to 1200 families and nine schools, and distributed over 10 000 food packages to vulnerable families.

FOH partners with various organisations, including Cohere, the Segal Family Foundation, the Obama Foundation, Imagine Worldwide, GERED and SOL.

#  Humanitarian Action for Refugees and Rural Communities Development (HARD Uganda) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day is a powerful platform to recognise the strength and contributions of displaced people. For HARD Uganda, it affirms the importance of refugee leadership, celebrates community resilience, and calls on the world to invest in inclusive, refugee-led solutions.” Samuel Atati Justin, Executive Director, HARD Uganda

HARD Uganda is a women and youth refugee-led organisation based in the Rhino Camp Extension Omugo and Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Terego District in Uganda.

Founded in 2020, HARD Uganda’s mission is to actively involve and include vulnerable and marginalised individuals in rights-based, sustainable services that build resilience, independence, and opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities. It envisions empowered communities that promote self-reliance, eliminate discrimination, and foster equality, sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.

HARD Uganda serves refugees, asylum seekers, and host community members, focusing particularly on women, youth, and persons with disabilities across the West Nile region of Uganda. It works across four thematic areas, namely protection and human rights; education and skills development; mental health and psychosocial support; and livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Its activities include the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), adult literacy, digital skills training, youth mentorship, early childhood development and peace-building through sports. Its environmental initiatives include agroforestry, energy-saving stoves, and briquette-making.

HARD Uganda has trained over 2 500 people in human rights, anti-corruption and leadership, while more than 275 learners have benefited from its digital literacy and adult education programmes. It has also supported over 150 people through psychosocial support services and established community awareness campaigns focused on GBV prevention, civic education, and peaceful coexistence.

HARD Uganda is a member of various national and international networks, including the Uganda National NGO Forum, African Humanitarian Organisation Network (AHON), Charter for Change Uganda, RELON Uganda, Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) and the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders. Its key partners include the Danish Refugee Council, AVSI Foundation, UNHCR, YSAT, War Child Alliance, Oxfam, Restless Development, and the Global Fund for Women.        

#  Kyaka II Refugee-Led Organisations Network (KRLON) (Uganda)

“On World Refugee Day 2025, KRLON reaffirms the call for solidarity, resilience and refugee leadership. Refugees are not helpless, they are helpers. They lead and co-create solutions during crises, innovate under pressure and build thriving communities in exile. This day reminds us that meaningful refugee participation is not a favour, it is a right. We appeal to governments, donors, UNHCR and INGOs to create enabling financing environments that directly support refugee-led actions.” Esreal Thembo, Chief Executive Officer, KRLON.

KRLON exists to amplify the voices of refugee-led and community-based organisations in the Kyaka II Refugee Settlement and surrounding host communities in Kyegegwa District in Uganda. Its work benefits refugees, asylum seekers and host populations, with a strong emphasis on youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Founded in 2019, KRLON’s mission is to strengthen coordination, build institutional capacity, and advocate for inclusive and sustainable humanitarian and development responses. It ensures that refugees are not only beneficiaries but are also recognised as key actors in decision-making and implementation processes.

KRLON’s objectives include enhancing the institutional capacity of RLOs and CBOs, promoting refugee participation in policy-making and programme design, facilitating effective coordination and resource sharing among members, advocating for refugee-inclusive development and access to funding, and promoting peace-building, gender equality, environmental sustainability and resilience.

KRLON’s main programmes and activities focus on livelihoods and economic empowerment, including skills training, entrepreneurship support and second-chance education; environment and energy, including climate resilience initiatives, awareness campaigns and green skills promotion; protection and GBV prevention, including community education and peer-led gender and human rights training; youth and women empowerment, including mentorship, leadership training, and access to financial literacy, markets and linkages; and health, humanitarian and emergency response, including mobilisation during outbreaks, hygiene awareness and referral systems.

KRLON’s significant accomplishments include successfully coordinating the establishment of the Kyaka Climate Resilience Hub, a refugee-led initiative selected for technical support by the University of Bern and WOCAT; supporting the registration and growth of 36 RLOs through capacity-building workshops and legal aid; delivering COVID-19 awareness, translation and health response coordination during the pandemic and funding freeze; mobilising communities to establish learning spaces and vocational centres, now serving more than 400 learners from refugee and host populations excluded by the formal education system; and advocating for inclusive planning and fraud prevention processes in resettlement through sustained community-led campaigns.

KRLON collaborates with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNHCR, Oxfam, ALIGHT Uganda, RELON Uganda, ADRA Uganda, NSAMIZI, YARID, FCA, Uganda and Save the children. It is affiliated with national and international networks, including the UNCCD Youth Caucus, Uganda Youth Climate Council, YALI East Africa Leadership Centre, Catalyst 2030 Africa Chapter, Infocite, Western Uganda Humanitarian Platform, East Africa Philanthropy Network, Reframe and Cohere.

#  L’AFRIKANA (Kenya)

“World Refugee Day serves as a strong reminder of the fortitude and resilience shown by refugees. For L’AFRIKANA, this day is about amplifying refugee stories, celebrating their contributions, and advocating for systems that protect their rights and promote self-sufficiency.” Prof Benjamin Sango, Executive Director, L’AFRIKANA

L’AFRIKANA is a Kenyan refugee-led organisation operating in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru. Founded in 2013 by individuals with firsthand experience as refugees, its mission is to empower urban refugees and vulnerable local populations. L’AFRIKANA  aims to build resilience and self-reliance among refugees through education, training, and community involvement. It envisions communities where refugees contribute meaningfully and live dignified lives.

L’AFRIKANA programmes and services cover education, including scholarships and support for refugee students such as boarding facilities and vocational training; livelihoods, including assisting in starting small businesses, forming savings groups and learning entrepreneurship to achieve financial independence; advocacy and legal aid, including helping refugees access necessary documents and understand their rights through initiatives like “Talk to Talk” forums; gender empowerment, including the “Go-Girl” initiative that empowers women and girls with leadership skills and emotional support; and humanitarian support; including providing food and hygiene kits during emergencies and collaborating with health and legal partners for urgent needs.

L’AFRIKANA has directly impacted over 12 000 individuals and indirectly reached 38 000 others. It has granted over 300 scholarships, established 11 active savings groups, trained numerous individuals in ICT and tailoring, and supported over 7 000 people in obtaining legal documentation.

L’AFRIKANA collaborates with organisations that promote refugee education, prevent gender-based violence and provide humanitarian assistance, including the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, Jesuit Refugee Services, GiveDirectly and UNHCR Kenya.

#  Pamoja Twaweza Community-Based Organisation (PTWCBO) (Kenya)

“World Refugee Day serves as a global platform to honour the strength and courage of refugees worldwide. It acknowledges their rights, advocates for their protection, and amplifies their voices. The day reminds us that refugees are not just victims – they are agents of change, hope, and resilience. Together, we can create a world where refugees have the dignity, rights and opportunities they deserve.” Eric Kimararungu, Founder and Executive Director, PTWCBO

Pamoja Twaweza, meaning “Together We Can”, is committed to advocating for refugee rights and promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and access to essential services. Founded in 2020, it is a refugee-led organisation with a mission to amplify the voices of refugees, strengthen community solidarity, and create safe spaces for women to thrive. Its primary target groups are refugee women and youth in Kenya, with a focus on vulnerable communities in Kitengela and its environs.

PTWCBO’s objectives include raising awareness of the challenges faced by refugee women, providing psychosocial support, facilitating access to education and economic opportunities, and advocating for policy changes to promote gender equality and refugee rights. Its primary programmes focus on advocacy and awareness, including campaigns that highlight the plight and resilience of refugees; networking and capacity-building, including connecting refugee-led organisations and providing leadership and skills training; education and livelihoods, including supporting refugee women and youth with educational resources and small-business initiatives; mental health and psychosocial support, including offering safe spaces and counselling to heal from trauma and build self-reliance; and basic needs support, including distributing essential items such as food and sanitary supplies.

PTWCBO is a member of the Refugee-Led Organisation Network of Kenya (RELON Kenya) and collaborates with global movements championing refugee rights and gender equality. These partnerships have been instrumental in amplifying the voices of refugees and fostering collective action.

#  Pax Afrika Network (PAN) (South Africa)

“World Refugee Day is a catalyst – a chance not only to reflect but to act. Refugees must be seen, heard and respected as agents of their own future. At PAN, we are proud to lead that call. To mark the day,  PAN engages in storytelling campaigns, legal awareness drives, and community events that celebrate refugee culture, amplify refugee voices, demand meaningful change and promote understanding.” Claude Kayitare, Executive Director, PAN

PAN is a refugee-led, community-based organisation committed to promoting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers while fostering peace and social cohesion. Founded in 2014, it empowers displaced people through practical support, legal guidance and advocacy grounded in lived experience.

South Africa hosts thousands of refugees and asylum seekers, particularly from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia and Zimbabwe. Despite the country’s constitutional commitments, many face xenophobia, legal uncertainty, limited access to basic services, and bureaucratic obstacles that hinder their ability to live in dignity.

At the core of PAN’s work is refugee documentation assistance. It supports asylum seekers in navigating South Africa’s complex legal system, providing help with online applications, preparing appeal submissions, translating documents, and offering accurate information on legal procedures. In partnership with Lawyers for Human Rights and clinics in Johannesburg and Pretoria, it has helped hundreds of asylum seekers secure legal status through both initial applications and appeals.

PAN collaborates with local organisations to build partnerships with NGOs, local businesses, and community groups, expanding resources and support networks, as well as fostering interfaith and community alliances to engage with diverse community groups and promote inclusivity and mutual understanding.

#  Refugee Coalition for Climate Action (RCCA) (Zimbabwe)

“World Refugee Day is not only a day to honour the resilience of displaced people but also to showcase their ability to lead solutions that build hope, resilience, dignity and sustainable futures.” Gawaar Juich, Director, RCCA

RCCA is a refugee-led, community-based organisation at the forefront of climate action, mobilising young people to lead interventions through tree planting, climate education and clean-up drives within the Tongogara Refugee Settlement, home to 15 000 refugees and asylum seekers from Burundi, the DRC and Mozambique. The settlement is located in a climate-stressed area where summer temperatures reach 45°C. When Tropical Cyclone Idai hit in 2019, approximately 6 000 residents were severely affected, with 1 060 homes, latrines, and boreholes damaged.

Founded in 2021, RCCA’s objectives are to ensure displaced communities and their hosts build climate resilience and adapt to climate change by mobilising young people to lead environmental restoration, promoting climate education that fosters knowledge and resilience-building, and equipping refugees, especially youth, with tools to amplify their voices in climate decision-making.

Since 2022, RCCA has planted 4 800 trees, and its climate education initiatives have reached 5 600 people within the Settlement and host communities. It has 61 child and youth members, with girls and young women making up 65% of the board. Their active participation has significantly raised awareness and strengthened environmental responsibility across both communities through RCCA’s School-Orchard Programme.

RCCA champions localisation by partnering with the Settlement Authority, UNHCR and World Vision on projects such as live fencing with sisal cacti, disaster risk reduction information sharing and community woodlot management. Since the beginning of the US aid freeze, RCCA has sustained a UNHCR-funded bio-fencing project and remains a key partner in a five-hectare woodlot initiative with the Settlement Authority.

A growing number of community members now collect seedlings from RCCA’s nursery, reflecting the rising environmental awareness that has resulted from the active participation of the Settlement Authority in tree planting. To deepen its impact, RCCA seeks support to expand its nursery to 800m², aiming to raise 25 000 to 30 000 seedlings annually. Half will support reforestation in refugee and host communities, and the rest, mainly grafted fruit trees, will be sold to generate income for youth, especially girls and young women engaged with RCCA.

RCCA’s impactful work has received financial support from organisations such as the Global Refugee Youth Network, Data4Change, Cohere, Children’s Rights Innovation Fund, GlobalGiving and The Pollination Project. However, most of this support came in the form of one-time mini-grants, which covered only small-scale project activities. As a result, long-term initiatives are on hold, and all core staff continue in unpaid volunteer roles.           

#  Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) (Kenya)

“World Refugee Day reminds us that our greatest strength lies in collective generosity, resilience and shared humanity. By amplifying refugee voices, supporting community-led initiatives and nurturing local leadership, we create spaces of welcome, healing and opportunity. On this day, we reaffirm our pledge to leave no one behind and invite displaced and host individuals, donors, organisations and institutions to act in solidarity, turning compassion into lasting change and making our communities truly superpowered by unity and inclusion.” Barlet Colly Jaji, Executive Director, RCK

RCK’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being, voice and dignity of the displaced and host population through its strategic programmatic pillars of legal aid and governance, peace and social justice, women and girls’ empowerment, and mental health and psychosocial support. It believes in true solidarity demonstrated through action by breaking down barriers to inclusion and dignity, fair employment practices, and ensuring every member of the community has the opportunity to thrive and achieve self-reliance.

Founded in 2000, RCK’s activities include advocacy and thought leadership, innovation and learning, capacity-building and support, partnerships and localisation, and strategic communication. RCK’s reach is transboundary, with offices located in Kakuma, Dadaab, Garissa, Nairobi, Mombasa and Mwingi.

RCK has positively impacted over six million lives, fostering resilience and restoring dignity in some of Kenya’s most challenging environments.

In recognition of its impact, RCK was granted the Best Civil Society Organisation Award by the Law Society of Kenya in 2023 and 2024. This accolade highlights its pivotal role in championing the rights of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons in Kenya. Beyond individual assistance, RCK’s influence echoes through Kenya’s legal framework. It played a leading role in the review, drafting and passage of the Refugees Act 2021 and the 2024 Regulations to the Act, a legislative milestone that aligns Kenyan laws with international standards and strengthens protection for displaced populations.

RCK also supported the review of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011, advocating for amendments to remove barriers to the registration of stateless persons. Additionally, it supported various county governments (e.g. Turkana and Garissa) in reviewing over 26 legislative proposals and facilitated the passage of several county laws, including the Village Administration Act and the Climate Change Act.

RCK played a central role in the conceptualisation of the Shirika Plan, a Kenyan government framework to transition from the encampment policy to an area-based settlement model focused on socio-economic integration, and the review and development of the Nairobi City County Refugee Integration and Community Building Strategy, a policy aimed at promoting the socio-economic inclusion of refugees within Nairobi County.

In 2024, RCK provided support and services to over 8 599 clients through legal assistance and representation, psychosocial support, peace-building and economic empowerment. Its community-led interventions, stakeholder collaborations and culturally sensitive programming continue to be instrumental in driving positive change in Kenya.

#  Refugee Empowerment for Sustainable Development in Africa (RESDA) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day reminds us that refugees are not a burden but a source of solutions. This day affirms the strength, voice and contributions of displaced people. Refugees deserve not just safety, but opportunity and dignity.” Mutabazi Eliya, Programme Manager and Co-Founder, RESDA

RESDA is a refugee-led organisation based in Uganda’s Kyaka II Refugee Settlement. Founded in 2020 by a group of young refugees and Ugandan allies, it embodies a grassroots response to the urgent social and economic challenges affecting displaced communities in Africa.

RESDA’s mission is to empower communities socially and economically through skills development, peace-building and sustainable development, enabling refugees and host populations to rise above underdevelopment and vulnerability. It envisions a well-established and sustainable refugee community where unity, resilience and self-reliance prevail.

RESDA’s core objectives include promoting peace, unity and inter-ethnic cooperation, empowering vulnerable populations, ensuring inclusive participation in sustainable development, tracking and nurturing local talents and skills, and advocating for gender equality. It also plays a pivotal role in coordinating emergency responses within the settlement.

RESDA’s programmes are multifaceted, addressing urgent community needs through early childhood education and adult literacy, vocational skills training, especially for women and girls, livelihood and agricultural development, including training over 8 000 farmers, support for teenage mothers, youth talent development and psychosocial care, climate-resilient practices, including smart agriculture, and humanitarian response in times of crisis. Its beneficiaries include refugees, host communities, women, girls, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Operating primarily in Kyaka II, which hosts over 124 000 refugees, RESDA has reached more than 24 000 individuals through its direct interventions.

RESDA is a member of the Kyaka II Refugee-Led Organisations Network (KRLON) and partners with organisations such as the USANA Foundation, ALIGHT, Refugee Law Project, Cohere and RELON Uganda, working collaboratively to ensure holistic service delivery.

#  Refugee Healthcare Providers Initiative (RHCPI) (Uganda)

“We join the global community to celebrate World Refugee Day under the powerful theme, ‘Community as a Superpower.’ This day reminds us that together, we can achieve incredible impact through unity, empathy and shared purpose.” Griffin Lule, Executive Director, RHCPI

RHCPI is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of refugees and vulnerable populations in Uganda. Founded in 2023, its mission is to serve as a beacon of hope and support for refugees by delivering compassionate healthcare services, fostering empowerment and advocating for their rights.

With a dedicated team of qualified healthcare professionals, RHCPI delivers specialised and community-based health services tailored to meet the unique needs of refugees. It operates in Kyaka II, Nakivale, Adjumani, Bidi Bidi and urban refugee settlements in Kampala, serving women, men, children, youth and persons with special health needs.

RHCPI’s main programmes cover primary healthcare, including mobile clinics, immunisation and disease treatment; sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, STI treatment, maternal care and menstrual hygiene education; mental health and psychosocial support, including trauma counselling, peer support and psychosocial rehabilitation; health education, including community workshops, awareness campaigns and health literacy materials; maternal and child health, including antenatal care, safe delivery, child immunisation and nutrition; advocacy, including policy engagement and public awareness for refugee health rights; capacity building, including training refugee healthcare workers and community health volunteers; and emergency response, including medical aid during crises and health emergencies.

In terms of significant accomplishments and achievements, RHCPI has already delivered over 7 200 medical consultations to refugee families and 3 000 with services, trained 20 community and traditional health workers; advocated for menstrual hygiene education through soap and reusable pad production; led SRHR education campaigns and initiated outreach in multiple refugee settlements; advocated for the inclusion of reusable pads in Uganda’s National Hygiene Strategy, and advocated for the inclusion of refugees in Uganda’s National Health Plan.

RHCPI is a member of local health advocacy and refugee development coalitions, collaborates with Da Vision Refugee Youth and Women-Led Organisation, engages with international actors, and explores partnerships with UNHCR, WHO and global humanitarian networks.

#  Refugee Law Project (RLP) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day holds deep significance for the Refugee Law Project (RLP). It provides a powerful platform to reaffirm our commitment to justice and dignity for all forcibly displaced persons. On this day, RLP amplifies the voices of the displaced, fosters solidarity, and advocates for inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based solutions to forced displacement.” Dr Pius Ojara, Director, RLP.

RLP is a distinguished organisation operating under the School of Law at Makerere University in Uganda. Founded in 1999 under the (now repealed) Makerere University Act of 1970, and later under Sections 131(1)(a), 23(1), and 24(2) of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of 2001, its mandate to ensure that all individuals enjoy their human rights, regardless of legal status.

RLP emerged in response to research that identified significant gaps in the protection of refugee rights in Uganda. Initially focused on providing legal aid to asylum seekers and refugees, it has since grown into a multidisciplinary centre of excellence dedicated to issues of justice and forced migration.

RLP is committed to empowering asylum seekers, refugees, deportees, internally displaced persons, host communities, and other vulnerable populations in Uganda to fully enjoy their human rights and lead lives of dignity. RLP envisions a society in which all individuals, regardless of legal status or vulnerability, can realise and exercise their fundamental rights.

To continue to meaningfully engage with the experiences and knowledge of displaced people and vulnerable communities in Uganda, RLP implements a diverse range of interventions through five core thematic programmes. These include access to justice, gender and sexuality, media for social change, mental health and psychosocial well-being, and conflict, transitional justice and governance.

RLP provides a comprehensive range of services, including legal aid, support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), medical rehabilitation for war-related injuries and psychosocial support. It amplifies the voices of refugees, promotes transitional justice and peace-building, advocates for accountable governance, and engages in capacity-building for both state and non-state actors. RLP also conducts ongoing research, community outreach, empowerment initiatives, and evidence-based policy advocacy, reaching tens of thousands of people each year. Its work is guided by a strong evidence-based approach, with continuous research informing the design and implementation of all interventions.

Operating across Uganda, particularly in refugee-hosting districts, RLP serves displaced populations, host communities, and formerly internally displaced persons through a holistic approach that fosters social cohesion and resilience. Among its key achievements are influencing national refugee policy, establishing safe spaces for survivors of SGBV, providing medical care for war-related injuries, advancing transitional justice in post-conflict areas, and setting a regional standard for refugee-led programming. Its impactful work has earned widespread recognition and enabled strategic collaborations with key national and international stakeholders.

In delivering its work, RLP collaborates with a vast network of national and international partners, including government ministries, UNHCR, NGOs, academic and legal institutions, healthcare providers, faith-based organisations and refugee-led initiatives. RLP is also actively engaged in regional and international forums, where it makes meaningful contributions to policy development, advocacy, and research on issues related to forced migration.

#  Refugee Social Services (RSS) (South Africa)

“World Refugee Day provides organisations like ours with an opportunity to honour the resilience and strength of those forced to flee, raise awareness, and build solidarity. It is also a chance to recognise the valuable skills and experiences that refugees bring with them – assets that can enrich our society when we acknowledge and embrace their contributions, rather than viewing them as a burden.” Yasmin Rajah, Director, RSS

RSS supports asylum seekers and refugees in orienting, integrating and achieving independence in South Africa. Founded in 2008, it prioritises the most vulnerable within refugee communities and provides a holistic package of social services, including psycho-social support, the creation of safe spaces, community information, engagement and capacity building.

RSS’s primary focus is to support asylum seekers and refugees in coping with the trauma and loss associated with fleeing persecution. It offers critical information and referrals related to refugee rights, documentation, education, health, legal services, and other essential needs. It works in partnership with refugees and collaborates with a broad network of local and international organisations to advocate and lobby for policies and practices that promote equality, justice, and dignity for refugees and asylum seekers.

RSS’s psycho-social support programmes prioritise children, particularly those who are unaccompanied, separated or orphaned, as well as women, youth, and the elderly. It also focuses on issues such as gender-based violence, child protection, and support for individuals with chronic and terminal illnesses, disabilities and who have special needs. It also engages with UNHCR to facilitate voluntary repatriation, family reunification and resettlement.

RSS currently chairs the Executive Committee of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa and actively participates in several key platforms, including the Birth Registration Task Team, the KZN Provincial Task Team for Unaccompanied and Separated Migrant Children, the UN Protection Working Group, and the Durban Coalition, among others. It has received a Citation of Honour from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for its commitment to human rights.

#  Refugee Youth Education Hub (RYEH) (Kenya)

“Africa shelters 30 million souls on the move – refugees fleeing conflict, dreamers seeking opportunity, survivors hoping to one day rebuild. As the rest of the world shuts its doors, we must open our hearts. RYEH is one small effort to take the lead in caring for our fellow Africans. We are children of the same soil, answering the call to protect our own. We can no longer rely on institutions outside our borders. We must all take the lead, with purpose, together.” Abdullahi Mire, Founder, RYEH

RYEH is a refugee- and youth-led grassroots organisation. Founded in 2017 in Dadaab, Garissa County, Kenya, it empowers refugee and host community youth through education, livelihood development and information campaigns. KYEH is driven by the belief that access to skills, technology and employment can unlock the potential of marginalised youth.

Grounded in community trust, inclusivity and sustainable impact, RYEH leads innovative efforts to ensure no youth is left behind. As a refugee- and youth-led organisation, it is uniquely positioned to scale effective models that drive long-term transformation in refugee education and livelihoods.

One of RYEH’s flagship initiatives is the Digital Youth Centre, launched with support from the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award. This solar-powered centre of excellence in Dadaab offers over 100 computer workstations, digital training and Internet access. Complementing this is the Digital Job Centre, developed under the ILO PROSPECTS Innovation Challenge. It provides job search assistance, entrepreneurship training, and pathways to remote work. Together, these initiatives equip youth with practical tools for employment in the digital economy.

RYEH also runs women in business forums in collaboration with ILO and the Garissa Chamber of Commerce, enhancing financial literacy and market access for women from both refugee and host communities. Digital literacy training, in partnership with Eldohub and ILO PROSPECTS Kenya, further strengthens the capacity of young people for the modern job market.

Part of RYEH’s mission as a grassroots organisation is to connect communities with meaningful opportunities both within Kenya and beyond. One key example of this is its partnership with WUSC EUMC, through which it supports youth, particularly those living with disabilities, in accessing scholarship opportunities. RYEH guides them through the application process and uses its information campaign platforms to mobilise and encourage more young people to apply, including for programmes such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships.

Strategic partnerships have been key to RYEH’s success. Long-term collaborators include ILO PROSPECTS, Teach by Tech (USA), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Shaqodoon Organisation, Qatar Reads, FAO Kenya and WUSC EUMC.

RYEH has gained global recognition for its impactful work. Awards include the UNHCR NGO Innovation Award (2020) for its digital learning initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award (2023) for its outstanding contributions to refugee education and youth empowerment.

#  Scalabrini Centre Cape Town (South Africa)

“World Refugee Day offers a day to reflect on and commemorate the loss and harm from war, persecution and violence against those forced to flee, while celebrating the lives, contribution and resilience of asylum seekers and refugees.” James Chapman, Head of Advocacy and Legal Advisor, Scalabrini Centre

The Scalabrini Centre’s mission is to welcome, protect, promote and integrate people on the move in pursuit of its vision of “a welcoming South Africa, where the rights of people on the move are realised.” It is named after Saint John Baptist Scalabrini, who founded the Scalabrinian Fathers of St Charles order in 1887 to care for migrants. Today, Scalabrinians continue this mission by supporting migrants, refugees, displaced people and seafarers. In Cape Town, the Scalabrini Fathers began offering welfare services to displaced communities in 1994, and the Centre was officially registered in 2022.

At the heart of Scalabrini’s work is the promotion of access to dignity for asylum seekers, refugees and other vulnerable people. Dignity has often been referred to as the cornerstone of South Africa’s Constitution – the source from which all other rights flow.

The Centre promotes the rights of people on the move by providing holistic services alongside a robust rights advocacy agenda with programmes that offer support for the integration journey of people settling in South Africa. It strives to be welcoming to all and to acknowledge each individual through a trauma-informed lens.

The Centre’s services include advocacy and legal support, skills development, access to education and employment, psychosocial care, child protection and emergency assistance. It also advises on documentation processes and runs awareness campaigns, peer support groups and mentorship programmes. Engaging in both local and international advocacy, Scalabrini builds inclusive, community-based spaces that empower displaced individuals to live with dignity and resilience.

While the Centre is based in the Western Cape, and its client base primarily consists of those residing in Cape Town, it also offers support nationally through its help desk, which is available via e-mail and telephone consultations.

Over the years, the Scalabrini Centre has played a significant role in the development of refugee and immigration law jurisprudence through litigation on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable people on the move. It also collaborates with various organisations to strengthen efforts in promoting the rights of people on the move. It partnered with Lawyers for Human Rights to enhance support for detained migrants through the Detention Monitoring Hotline, a toll-free service offering legal advice and representation to those in immigration detention. It also partnered with civil society partners in South Africa and Uganda to form a consortium under the Enhancing Protection and Asylum (EPA) project. This initiative examines two distinct African asylum systems through comparative research, aiming to enhance protection frameworks, access to services, asylum procedures and durable solutions.

The Centre also collaborates with community service organisations and refugee-led organisations, training them to empower and advocate within their communities.

#  Solidarity of Refugee Women for the Social Welfare (SOFERES) (Malawi)

“On World Refugee Day, SOFERES joins the global community in honouring the resilience of refugees. It is a moment to amplify their voices, defend their rights, and recommit to a future where refugee women and girls live in dignity, security, and opportunity.” Amisi Damiano, Executive Director, SOFERES

SOFERES is a refugee women-led organisation established by survivors of war and gender-based violence in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi. Founded in 2013, it exists to empower and equip vulnerable refugee women and girls with the tools they need to thrive – socially, economically and emotionally. Its mission is to build resilience by enhancing income generation, promoting health and well-being, strengthening knowledge of rights, and advancing the leadership and decision-making power of refugee women and girls.

SOFERES delivers integrated, community-based programmes across four key pillars. Under livelihoods and economic empowerment, it provides training in tailoring, soap-making, agribusiness and other marketable skills to help women start small businesses and secure employment, while supporting village savings and loan groups and offering seed capital for women-led cooperatives.

Through its education and leadership initiatives, SOFERES runs GLOW clubs for adolescent girls and mentorship programmes focused on building confidence and leadership capacity. In the area of gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, mitigation and response, it conducts community dialogues, door-to-door campaigns, safe space activities, and theatre performances to challenge harmful norms and support survivors. SOFERES also promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) through youth-friendly education and access to services, with a particular focus on girls and young women.

SOFERES primarily serves refugee women and girls in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, while also engaging marginalised members of the host community. Since its inception, it has trained over 1 000 women through economic initiatives, supported 2 500 girls through education and leadership activities, and reached over 40 000 community members through advocacy efforts. These interventions have led to increased school retention, a reduction in early marriages, and greater representation of women in camp leadership structures.

SOFERES is a member of various regional and international networks, including Girls Not Brides, Girls Opportunity Alliance, GBV Prevention Network, Period Equality Network and the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies. These relationships reflect its strong commitment to feminist humanitarian values and collaborative action.           

#  South Africa Refugee-Led Network (SARLN) (South Africa)

“World Refugee Day is not just a moment of reflection – it is a call to action. The future of refugee response must be inclusive, intersectional and led by those who have lived the journey.” Martin Mande, Secretary General, SARLN

SARLN is a national, community-driven platform advancing equity, leadership and meaningful participation for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and vulnerable host communities. Founded in 2022, it connects grassroots refugee-led initiatives across all nine provinces of South Africa. Its mission is to amplify refugee voices, develop leadership and promote meaningful engagement in shaping policies and programmes that directly impact the displaced.

Through its diverse member organisations, SARLN implements vital community programmes, including sustainable livelihoods, health and psychosocial support, education and learning support, and human rights and policy advocacy. In 2024, SARLN reached over 13 900 individuals with direct assistance and contributed substantively to high-level dialogues on migration governance, statelessness and refugee protection in South Africa.

SARLN’s primary beneficiaries are refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, undocumented migrants, and vulnerable host communities, including women and youth, particularly those living in under-resourced urban and peri-urban areas. With a strong commitment to community mobilisation, SARLN provides capacity-building, training and peer collaboration that empowers local actors to lead and deliver impactful services.

On  World Refugee Day, SARLN salutes the Government of Kenya for its groundbreaking Shirika Plan, a model that integrates refugees into national systems of healthcare, education and employment. This progressive approach offers a compelling example of sustainable inclusion. SARLN also recognises the efforts of the South African government, which launched a second asylum backlog project in 2021. While the initiative promised relief for thousands of asylum seekers, its progress has been hampered by administrative delays and funding constraints. Nevertheless, SARLN believes that with renewed commitment and political will, this promise can still be fulfilled.

SARLN is member of the Cohere Global Network, Global Movement Against Statelessness, People on the Move Movement, Global Compact on Refugees – Joint Legal Community Pledge, Global Strategic Litigation Council, Reframe Platform and the Global Refugee-Led Network (GRN).

#  Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees (SANIR) (South Africa)

“SANIR joins the global community in commemorating World Refugee Day, a powerful occasion to honour the resilience, strength and humanity of millions forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or disasters. For SANIR, this day is more than a commemoration. It is a platform to amplify the voices of refugees and migrants, challenge xenophobia, and advocate for inclusive, rights-based responses to displacement across Southern Africa. Together, let us turn solidarity into action.” Claude Kayitare, Head of Partnerships and Programmes, SANIR

SANIR is a dynamic regional network uniting refugee- and migrant-led organisations to drive collective advocacy, build capacity and influence policy. Founded in 2024, its mission is to empower communities on the move and ensure they are recognised as key actors in shaping the region’s future. It envisions a unified and inclusive society where migrants and refugees are empowered, respected and their rights are upheld.

Refugee and migrant communities in South Africa suffer abuses of human rights and fundamental freedom. As a result, SANIR receives daily requests from refugees, migrants or displaced people for human rights interventions and assistance.

In response, SANIR raises awareness of the challenges faced by refugees, migrants and displaced individuals, advocates for policy reforms that address their needs, provides access to essential services, and promotes safe and sustainable integration into host communities.

Central to SANIR’s approach is to put people at the forefront of its work. As such, SANIR considers itself a people-centred network with a focus on policy, advocacy, human rights, social cohesion, economic sustainability, education, health and gender inclusivity.

SANIR’s key activities focus on community mapping and outreach, awareness-raising, training and workshops, and community advocacy. These activities are supported by research and various social media interventions.

SANIR collaborates closely with strategic partners in all its activities to enhance strategic impact, including refugee and migrant-led organisations, communities, government entities,  NGOs, funders, and learning and research institutions.

#  Southern Africa Refugee Organisations Forum (SAROF) (South Africa)

SAROF is a regional coalition of refugee-led and community-based organisations committed to amplifying the voices of refugees, asylum seekers and forcibly displaced people, promoting their protection, and supporting their integration into host communities. Founded in 2024, it aims to foster collaboration, coordination and knowledge-sharing among its members to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the Southern African region.

SAFOR advocates for the rights and interests of refugees and asylum seekers, provides a platform for information-sharing and coordination among member organisations, supports capacity-building and skills development for member organisations, promotes refugee self-reliance and empowerment, supports resource mobilisation for refugee-led organisations, and fosters partnerships with governments, UN agencies and other stakeholders.

SAROF employs various strategies to strengthen the advocacy efforts of its members and partners. By building their capacity to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of refugees, asylum seekers and host communities, SAROF amplifies their collective voice and impact on policy change. SAROF also supports the research efforts of its members to generate credible data and insights to inform their programmes, advocacy and decision-making.

Some of SAROF’s members include African Refugee and Migrants Aid (ARMA), Union of Refugee Women (URW), Congolese Community of Refugees in Port Elizabeth (CCRPE), Urban Refugee & Asylum Seekers Assistance (URASA), KwaZulu Natal Burundian Refugee Community (KZNBRC), Durban Refugee Centre (DRC), Africa Refugee Social Cooperation (ARSC) and the Refugee Children’s Project (RCP).

#  Voice of Refugee Media (VORM) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day is not just about honouring resilience, but also about returning the mic to those who have lived the stories. Refugees are not only survivors, they are artists, leaders and changemakers.” Levis Chidolo, CEO & Co-Founder, VORM

In the heart of Kampala’s refugee neighbourhoods, a quiet revolution in storytelling is taking place. VORM is a youth-led creative media initiative which operates as a platform for refugee youth and women to engage in visual storytelling, film, photography and podcasting, reclaiming narratives that are often told about them, rather than by them.

Founded in 2022, VORM’s mission is to use media as a tool for healing, visibility and community change, empowering displaced youth to explore their identities, express their truths, and advocate for dignity and justice. It envisions a world where refugee stories are not reduced to statistics or stigma, but are celebrated as sources of strength, culture and transformation.

VORM works directly with urban refugee youth aged 14-30 living in the refugee settlements of Uganda. It prioritises young people, survivors of displacement trauma, and marginalised youth with untapped creative potential.

VORM equips refugee youth with digital and creative skills, promotes economic independence through media entrepreneurship, provides a platform for youth expression and storytelling, supports psychosocial well-being through art and storytelling, and fosters social inclusion and understanding between refugee and host communities.

Some of VORM’s achievements include producing compelling refugee-led films, including Ntumba and The Outcomes, training more than 200 young people in digital and creative media skills, which provide them with meaningful pathways into creative and economic independence, and launching a youth hub, which is a sanctuary for youth to gain valuable skills and share experiences.

VORM works alongside platforms such as Wezesha Impact, Youth UP Foundation, Stream Asylum and other community-based networks, and welcomes collaboration and mentorship to grow its visibility and sustainability.

#  Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID) (Uganda)

“World Refugee Day is an opportunity to demonstrate refugee leadership in action and to advocate for meaningful participation in decisions that shape people’s lives. It is a moment to move beyond symbolic gestures and commit to collective action in solidarity with refugees. The day calls for recognition of refugee leadership as central to building lasting and inclusive solutions. It is a call to act together with refugees, ensuring that responses are shaped in ways that benefit all communities.” Robert Hakiza, Executive Director, YARID

YARID is a refugee-led organisation working across Uganda’s urban and settlement communities. Founded in 2007 in Kampala by Congolese refugees, its mission is to support refugees and asylum seekers in overcoming the burdens of deprivation and vulnerability, enabling them to become healthy, educated, self-sustaining, and contributing members of society. YARID envisions a society where all refugees are fully integrated and self-reliant.

YARID implements programmes in Kampala and three refugee settlements, namely Palabek, Kyaka II  and Nakivale. Its work spans education for children and adults, vocational and entrepreneurship training, psychosocial support, job placement, digital literacy, and community-led research and advocacy. All services are free and open to both refugees and host community members.

These programmes build practical skills, expand educational access, and respond to urgent protection needs. Women and youth are trained in trades and entrepreneurship. Adults learn English and digital skills to enhance their ability to navigate daily life and employment more effectively. Children in settlements are supported to transition into formal education through a foundational learning programme. Job seekers are coached and linked to employment opportunities.

In 2024, YARID reached over 14 000 people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Ugandan host communities. Its focus remained on youth, women, and households facing heightened vulnerability. A total of 5 273 children in settlements accessed learning support, and over 2 000 adults improved their English skills in Kampala. Youth and caregivers launched businesses after receiving training and start-up grants, and more than 1 000 women and girls received Mama Kits and hygiene supplies.

YARID also co-produced research and co-designed development projects in collaboration with universities and research institutions, helping shape community responses grounded in refugee experiences. Over the past two years, YARID has mentored 11 refugee-led organisations across Uganda, offering seed grants, technical support and tailored capacity-building support.

YARID is a founding member of RELON Uganda and actively collaborates through coalitions, including the Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformative Initiative (RETI), Building Resilient Inclusive Systems for Locally Led Education and Protection (RISE), Local Empowerment and Development for Refugees and Host Communities in Uganda (LEAD Uganda), and the Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative (RRLI). Through this community-rooted work, YARID promotes the recognition of refugee-led organisations as essential and resilient actors in humanitarian and development spaces.

#  Youth Voices Community (YVC) (Kenya)  

“World Refugee Day is a moment to honour the strength, resilience and contributions of displaced people. For YVC, it is an opportunity to elevate refugee voices, advocate for inclusive policies, and renew commitments to justice, education and economic empowerment for all refugees.” Fashingabo Chocho, Executive Director, YVC

YVC is a refugee-led organisation committed to empowering refugees and marginalised host communities through education, advocacy and livelihoods. Founded in 2016, its mission is to build on the 3Ts – to advocate, to educate, and to empower.

YVC envisions a world where refugee voices shape policy, education is accessible, and livelihoods are dignified and self-sustaining. Its main programmes and activities include DIGIKAZI, equipping refugee youth with marketable digital skills (e.g. coding, cybersecurity, web design, etc.) and linking them to remote job opportunities; adult literacy and accelerated education, supporting out-of-school youth and adults with foundational education and transition pathways to formal schooling; family reunification and legal protection, in partnership with IRAP, providing legal guidance and support to refugees navigating family reunification and documentation; business and SME support, training and supporting refugee and host entrepreneurs through financial literacy, seed grants and mentorship; and advocacy, research and justice, using community-based research and youth-led storytelling to influence refugee policy and promote access to justice.

YVC serves urban refugees and vulnerable host community members in Nairobi and greater Kenya, with a special focus on women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups from countries such as Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Somalia and South Sudan.

In terms of its achievements, YVC has supported more than 900 individuals in 2024, funded and mentored 50 refugee entrepreneurs, formed and supported 20 Chama (savings) groups, distributed over 4.8 Million KSH to the refugee community for boosting existing businesses, trained 44 youth in digital livelihoods, with some forming a tech startup, supported  38 out-of-school refugee students to transition to high school, organised 13 legal clinics and workshops, processes three family reunification referrals.

YVC collaborates with IRAP, UNHCR, HIAS, Kituo Cha Sheria, Cohere and the Global Whole Being Fund, and is a member of the Global Refugee Youth Network and Reframe.

(These profiles showcase the critical contributions of African NGOs in support of refugees. However, this is not an exhaustive list of such NGOs, and many others do stellar work across the continent.)