The Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA) has urged governments, international bodies and citizens to take proactive steps to protect refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and displaced persons. The appeal was made Wednesday in a statement signed by ARRA's executive director, Okey Ezugwu, marking the 2026 Refugee Week. The group described the week as a moment to recognise the resilience and contributions of displaced people and to reaffirm collective responsibility in ensuring human dignity, protection, inclusion and justice for all.
ARRA highlighted the unprecedented scale of global forced displacement, warning that women and children are especially vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, abuse and discrimination. It stated that the burden of courage should not rest only on displaced communities, and that governments and institutions must show equal courage through effective policies and actions addressing the root causes of displacement. The group called on Nigeria to strengthen its implementation of refugee and migration protection laws, improve institutional capacity, expand access to healthcare and education, and create more opportunities for economic inclusion.
The foundation noted that African and other developing countries continue to host a disproportionate number of refugees despite limited resources and pressing development needs. It urged non-governmental organisations to remain active partners in safeguarding the rights and welfare of displaced populations. ARRA also appealed to individuals worldwide to reject xenophobia, discrimination and misinformation, and instead promote empathy, understanding and social cohesion. "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 statement said.
ARRA calls for Nigeria to lead on refugee protection while the country's own displacement crisis grows. Okey Ezugwu leads a group urging stronger policies even as Nigeria struggles with internal displacement from conflict and climate shocks. The appeal to citizens to fight xenophobia gains irony in a country where migrants are often scapegoated during economic strain. The statement offers no data on how Nigeria can balance regional leadership with domestic pressures.
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