World Refugee Day 2025: United in Solidarity and Hope
Photo by RET
Article by RET Team in Niger
OUALLAM, AYOROU, MARADI, AND NIAMEY – NIGER – To mark World Refugee Day, celebrated each year on June 20, RET in Niger stood alongside the communities of Ouallam, Ayorou, Maradi, and Niamey to honor the resilience, courage, and strength of forcibly displaced people. This year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees,” served as a unifying thread throughout the celebrations, reinforcing the values of unity, inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.
Ouallam: A Day of Solidarity, Culture, and Recognition
Led by local authorities and joined by many partners, the celebration in Ouallam took place in a warm and festive atmosphere. The day featured official speeches, vibrant cultural parades reflecting the region’s rich ethnic diversity, educational sketches on social cohesion, and moving testimonies from refugees locally integrated into the community. The event concluded with a community meal, shared in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
In his address, the Prefect of Ouallam highlighted the importance of maintaining the strong spirit of solidarity demonstrated by host communities.
Ayorou: Community Spirit in Full Color
In Ayorou, the celebrations at the spontaneous site brought together children, women, and men for a colorful display of cultural expression. Traditional music and dances, tea-making competitions, local costume parades, educational sketches, and visits to craft exhibitions created a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. The active participation of both administrative and traditional leaders turned the day into a collective celebration of unity and resilience.
Maradi: A Joint Celebration of Refugee Day and the Day of the African Child
In the commune of Guidan Roumdji, Maradi, World Refugee Day was jointly celebrated with the Day of the African Child, creating a unique moment to amplify the voices and rights of children. The event featured sketches on land access and solidarity, a children’s parade with powerful messages of commitment, a ceremony recognizing host families with certificates of appreciation, the distribution of non-food kits, and an exhibition of women’s cooperative products. This celebration strengthened community bonds while recognizing the generosity of families hosting displaced persons.
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National Commitment in Niamey
RET Germany’s Country Director participated in the official UNHCR ceremonies in Niamey, reaffirming RET’s ongoing commitment to supporting displaced populations in Niger in close collaboration with national institutions, technical partners, and host communities.
Across all locations, one message echoed loud and clear: Refugees are not a burden. They are individuals—men, women, and children—with dreams, talents, and the will to contribute to the development of the communities that welcome them.
A heartfelt thank you to all host communities, local authorities, and partners for their unwavering commitment.
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