Cameroon calls for international solidarity at the 77th UNHCR session in Geneva

Atanga Nji Paul, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, has appealed to the international community, urging donor nations to strengthen solidarity and bolster funding to address the escalating global refugee crisis. He is representing the head of State, President Paul Biya.
Speaking on October 12, 2026, at the opening of the 77th Session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Minister Atanga Nji addressed the assembly in the presence of the President, His Excellency Mr Atsuyuki Oike. In his address, the Minister highlighted Cameroon’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and peace, noting that the country currently hosts approximately 500,000 refugees and 20,000 asylum seekers, primarily from neighbouring states. However, he expressed deep concern over the sharp contrast between escalating humanitarian crises globally and the drastic reduction in international financial support for refugee protection. « Faced with the magnitude of this human tragedy that affects our collective consciousness, we have a historic responsibility, that of acting. My country does not intend to give up, » the Minister stated, reaffirming Cameroon’s commitment to implementing the Global Compact on Refugees.
The minister emphasised that the sustainable solution prioritised by Cameroon remains voluntary return in safety and dignity, citing historic tripartite agreements signed in 2017 with Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, and the UNHCR.
He called on international partners to make refugee development assistance immediately accessible rather than delayed behind bureaucratic hurdles.
« ​Mr. Chairperson, I would like to reiterate that the cheque book for refugee assistance must be kept on the table, close to a pen, ready to be signed whenever humanitarian emergencies crop up. It should no longer be kept in a safe, because if the keys are lost, assistance to refugees could be frozen or delayed. This would be disastrous, as the world would be guilty of the crime of failing to assist persons in danger, something we must avoid here and now. » Atanga Nji Paul, noted.
The minister reaffirmed the determination of Cameroon to continue fulfilling its obligations as a welcoming host nation, while warning that without enhanced responsibility-sharing and predictable international funding, host communities and vulnerable populations will face unsustainable pressure.

The 77th session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR is held at the Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 12 to October 16, 2026.
Attended by hundreds of state representatives from around the world, the meeting focuses on addressing protection challenges for refugees and displaced persons amid escalating humanitarian crises, as well as promoting international responsibility-sharing.