Rwanda today convened the Country-Level Global Refugee Forum (GRF) Progress Review Meeting, organised in partnership with UNHCR Rwanda, bringing together key stakeholders to reflect on progress made under refugee inclusion and protection commitments, assess existing challenges and strengthen collaboration toward durable solutions.

The meeting brought together representatives from government institutions, United Nations agencies, the diplomatic corps, development partners, private sector actors and humanitarian organizations to review progress made under the pledges Rwanda committed to at the 2019 and 2023 Global Refugee Forums. It also served as a national platform to assess achievements, reflect on challenges and strengthen partnerships in support of refugees and host communities.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, Aristarque Ngoga, emphasized that Rwanda’s refugee response is anchored not only in protection, but also in inclusion and self-reliance. He noted that Rwanda currently hosts nearly 140,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, and continues to uphold its open-door policy while promoting access to national systems and opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives with dignity.

“This meeting is a vital platform for reflection. It allows us to take stock of our collective journey since the pledges made at the Global Refugee Forums in 2019 and 2023, to celebrate achievements, and to candidly address the challenges we continue to face,” said Mr. Aristarque Ngoga, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management.

PS Ngoga Aristarque delivering opening remarks during the meeting.

The progress shared during the meeting reflected Rwanda’s steady implementation of its GRF commitments across key sectors. In education, over 45,000 refugee learners are currently enrolled from early childhood to secondary education, while more than 1,000 have accessed tertiary education opportunities through partnerships. 

On livelihoods and economic inclusion, 490 refugee youth benefited from business grants between 2019 and 2024 through the Youth Connekt programme, with 120 more expected to benefit in 2026. In addition, 4,780 households are engaged in joint agriculture projects involving both refugees and host communities, supporting income generation and social cohesion.

The meeting also highlighted significant progress in protection, documentation and environmental resilience. According to the Government of Rwanda’s GRF pledge updates, 93% of eligible refugees have been issued refugee identity cards, while 99% of refugees born in Rwanda have had their births registered. Environmental protection efforts have also advanced, with 647,846 trees planted in refugee camps and Emergency Transit Mechanism sites, alongside ongoing efforts to expand clean energy access and climate resilience interventions in refugee-hosting areas.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Ritu Shroff, Representative of UNHCR in Rwanda, commended Rwanda’s leadership and practical approach in implementing its refugee commitments.

“Rwanda is unique in turning its GRF pledges into action,” she said.

She further reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Government of Rwanda in supporting refugees and advancing inclusion.

“UNHCR remains committed to keep working together to support refugees. From education to livelihoods, Rwanda’s progress and momentum inspires,” she added.

The Country Level GRF Progress Review Meeting also served as an important step in shaping future commitments and reinforcing collective responsibility ahead of GRF 2027. While participants acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly global funding pressures and the need to sustain and scale essential services, the discussions reaffirmed the importance of continued partnership, solidarity and investment in durable solutions.

Rwanda remains committed to ensuring that refugees are not only protected, but also empowered to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.