World Refugee Day 2026: CHRC Lauds Repatriation Progress, Sounds Alarm Over Corruption

On the occasion of the 26th World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, CHRC, issued a comprehensive statement on the day’s global theme, "Until Everyone Is Safe". The declaration emphasizes Cameroon's role as a primary host country for refugees and asylum seekers in Central Africa. 
This principally shelters individuals fleeing armed conflict and violence from the Central African Republic, CAR and Nigeria - while presenting a critical assessment of both humanitarian achievements and deep-seated administrative challenges.

Funding Cuts, Corruption, Fraud
Despite these positive strides, the Commission expressed grave concerns regarding critical vulnerabilities currently facing displaced populations and the systems managing them. These include a significant decline in humanitarian funding. Which is actively threatening the delivery of vital services, including healthcare, education, nutrition, and general protection for refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 
The CHRC explicitly identified persistent corrupt practices within refugee management services that compromise equitable access to international protection. Furthermore, cases of identity theft and document fraud have enabled some individuals to unlawfully obtain national administrative documents reserved exclusively for Cameroonian citizens. 
Severe overcrowding and inadequate sanitation remain problematic in several camps. Additionally, administrative hurdles continue to hinder the systematic registration of births and issuance of civil status documents to refugee children, escalating the risk of statelessness. 

Reform Recommendations 
Aligning its directives with the 220 recommendations accepted by Cameroon during its Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the CHRC directed explicit instructions to various state organs, the Commission specifically recommended that: The General Delegation for National Security, DGSN, BUNEC, and MINAT, enforce stricter biometric security and identity verification mechanisms to counter document fraud and nationality impersonation.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission, CONAC/NAAC and MINAT were urged to reinforce mechanisms aimed at preventing, reporting, and penalizing corrupt actions within refugee management lines.
Government ministries, including MINPMEESA, MINADER, MINEPIA, and MINFI, were called upon to design inclusive entrepreneurship and microcredit programs. To support sustainable income-generating activities for refugees and host communities alike.

Humanitarian Milestones Commended
The Commission highlighted several major achievements in refugee protection, socio-economic inclusion, and voluntary repatriation programs carried out by the government and international partners’
The CHRC welcomed the announcement by UNHCR Representative Mrs. Yvette Muhimpundu that between 10,000 and 20,000 Central African refugees are projected for voluntary repatriation over the course of 2026. Following strategic administrative coordination with the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT). 
The fourth phase of the voluntary repatriation programme from Minawao Camp in the Far North Region successfully saw 3,122 refugees return to Nigeria in 2026. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to approximately 8,000 since the initiative’s launch in 2018. 
The inauguration of the Garoua-Boulaï Multi-Purpose Centre in the East Region on April 29, 2026, was praised for creating an integrated service platform. Which hosts a branch, research unit, and library extension of the University of Bertoua to foster economic empowerment for both refugees and host communities. 
The CHRC celebrated the UNHCR’s presentation of the prestigious Nansen Refugee Award on December 16, 2025, to His Majesty Martin Azia Sodea, Chief of Gado Badzere Village in the East Region. For his exceptional hospitality in hosting more than 36,000 refugees.

Field Investigations, Fact-finding Missions 
The statement, signed by CHRC Chairperson, Prof. James Mouangue Kobila, concludes with a reaffirmation of the body's unwavering commitment to field investigations. Fact-finding missions, and the diligent processing of human rights complaints. The public is reminded that violations can be reported directly via the Commission’s toll-free number, 1523.
 

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