On June 30, 2026, the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), in collaboration with UNHCR Rwanda, convened a high-level Dialogue on Refugee Economic Empowerment and Self-Reliance to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026. Internationally observed every year on June 20, World Refugee Day recognizes the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees while reaffirming the global commitment to protect people forced to flee and support durable solutions that uphold their dignity, rights, and well-being.

The dialogue brought together government officials, United Nations agencies, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, private sector representatives, refugees, and civil society organizations to explore how stronger partnerships; particularly with Rwanda's private sector, can accelerate refugee economic empowerment, promote self-reliance, and deliver sustainable solutions.

Observed annually, World Refugee Day recognizes the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees, while honouring the communities that host them. It also serves as a global call to reaffirm the shared responsibility of protecting people forced to flee and supporting solutions that uphold their dignity, rights, and well-being. This year's global theme, "Until Everyone Is Safe," underscores the need for continued solidarity with displaced populations worldwide.

Opening the dialogue, the Minister in Charge of Emergency Management, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, emphasized that achieving refugee self-reliance requires collective action and stronger partnerships among government institutions, humanitarian organizations, development partners, and the private sector.

"The Government of Rwanda remains committed to creating an enabling environment where refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity and become economically self-reliant. Through the Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy (2025–2030), we aim to ensure that within the next five years, at least 50 percent of refugee households transition from dependence on humanitarian assistance to sustainable livelihoods," the Minister said.

He noted that the Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy, developed jointly by the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and partners, provides a transformative roadmap for advancing refugee inclusion and reducing long-term dependency on humanitarian assistance. The Minister also commended private sector actors already investing in refugee inclusion and encouraged more businesses to participate in creating employment, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities for refugees.

Reflecting on the theme of this year's World Refugee Day, Minister Murasira stressed that providing protection is only the beginning of the journey.

"Protecting refugees is only the first step. We must also create opportunities that enable them to rebuild their lives, achieve self-reliance, and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities," he added.

Speaking during the dialogue, the UNHCR Representative to Rwanda, Ms. Ritu Shroff, underscored the proven value of refugee inclusion, noting that evidence from around the world demonstrates the positive contributions refugees make to local economies.

"The case for refugee inclusion is no longer theoretical. We have the evidence. Refugees are reliable employees. They're entrepreneurial, motivated, and resilient," she said.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, Ms. Fatmata Sesay, called on all stakeholders to transform solidarity into concrete action that enables refugees to live productive and dignified lives.

She emphasized that World Refugee Day should serve as a moment for renewed commitment to protecting people displaced by conflict and persecution while advancing solutions that provide refugees with safety, dignity, and genuine opportunities to rebuild their futures.

The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to strengthen collaboration between government, humanitarian and development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to expand refugees' access to decent work, financial services, entrepreneurship opportunities, and skills development. These efforts will contribute to Rwanda's vision of fostering refugee inclusion while promoting sustainable socio-economic development for both refugees and host communities.