NKAMIRA REFUGEE CAMP, Rwanda –The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, concluded a visit to the Nkamira Transit Center this morning, praising Rwanda’s approach to hosting refugees.
By Kivu News Today
Grandi’s tour of the camp, which hosts thousands of Congolese refugees who have fled recent escalation of conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighted both the successes and immense pressures facing refugee-hosting nations in the region.
During his visit, the High Commissioner witnessed firsthand the conditions at the camp and held discussions with refugees, camp officials, and Rwandan government representatives.
A central theme of Grandi’s remarks was his commendation of the Rwandan government’s refugee policies. He specifically noted their progressive nature, which often goes beyond minimum international standards.
“Rwanda has consistently shown a profound commitment to providing safety and dignity for those fleeing violence and persecution,” Grandi stated. “Their policies, which allow for freedom of movement and access to education and health services, serve as a positive example in the region. However, this generosity should not be taken for granted. The responsibility cannot rest on Rwanda’s shoulders alone.”
The Nkamira camp, while a transit center, is part of a broader Rwandan system that has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring countries over many years.
The High Commissioner swiftly pivoted from praise to a pressing appeal for the international community. He emphasized that as the number of displaced people continues to rise, global support must keep pace.
“The needs here are immense and growing,” Grandi said. “We are seeing chronic underfunding for humanitarian operations at a time when they are needed most. I urge the international community to step up its financial and material support. Solidarity with refugees must also mean solidarity with the countries that host them, often while managing their own economic challenges.”
This call for support is aimed at ensuring that organizations like UNHCR and their government partners can continue to provide essential services—including food, shelter, healthcare, and protection—to the surging refugee population.
Looking beyond immediate humanitarian needs, High Commissioner Grandi expressed cautious optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of displacement in the region.
He specifically pointed to peace processes like the Washington Agreement and the Doha Declaration as critical pathways to sustainable solutions.
“While we provide life-saving aid today, we must never lose sight of the ultimate goal: safe and dignified voluntary return for refugees when conditions allow,” Grandi remarked. “The ongoing peace processes, including the Washington Agreement and the Doha Declaration, are beacons of hope. Their full and effective implementation is crucial to ending the cycles of violence that displace millions and could pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.”
Grandi’s visit underscores the interconnected challenges of providing immediate humanitarian assistance, supporting host nations, and advocating for the political solutions necessary to resolve one of the world’s most protracted refugee crises.
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