UNHCR Chief Meets Kagame, Commends Rwanda’s Refugee Protection Model

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda – August 28, 2025 — United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi has concluded a high-level visit to Rwanda, where he met President Paul Kagame to discuss strengthening cooperation on refugee protection and long-term solutions.

The meeting, held Thursday at Urugwiro Village, highlighted Rwanda’s “leading role” as a safe haven for displaced people, including refugees from neighboring countries, Afghans resettled in Rwanda, and evacuees from Libya through the Emergency Transit Mechanism.

Grandi’s stop in Kigali followed earlier talks in Kinshasa with President Félix Tshisekedi on the complex displacement crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region. His regional mission comes after a trilateral agreement and 2025–2026 roadmap signed in July between Rwanda, the DRC, and UNHCR, aimed at establishing a framework for the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees in Rwanda—a situation often linked to instability in eastern DRC.

“Political initiatives must now translate into concrete benefits for people trapped in conflict situations, including refugees and internally displaced persons,” Grandi said during his tour, referencing recent peace accords signed in Washington and Doha.

Rwanda’s Progressive Approach

In Kigali, Grandi expressed gratitude to President Kagame and the Rwandan people for adopting a progressive refugee policy that goes beyond traditional encampment. Recent legal reforms, including the 2024 Refugee and Asylum Seekers Law, have allowed refugees greater access to national services and the labor market.

Rwanda aims to graduate at least 50% of refugee households from humanitarian assistance by 2030 under its Refugee Sustainable Graduation Strategy. Grandi praised this approach as “a blueprint for solidarity and practical action.”

During his two-day visit, the UNHCR chief also met key officials, including Finance Minister Yusuf Murangwa, Emergency Management Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, and Immigration Director General ACP Lynder Nkuranga, to reinforce Rwanda’s model of socio-economic inclusion and resilience.

Funding Gaps Remain

Despite Rwanda’s progress, Grandi warned that critical funding gaps threaten refugee programs. UNHCR’s $84.8 million budget for Rwanda in 2025 is only 25% funded, leaving a shortfall of more than $63 million. This gap affects integration, voluntary repatriation, and resettlement programs.

The European Union and the United States remain the largest donors to UNHCR operations in Rwanda, but sustained international support is needed to match Rwanda’s political will and operational commitments.