Rwanda is taking part in a three-day international conference in Geneva, Switzerland, focused on refugee protection and a review of progress made at national, regional and global levels.
The conference opened Monday and is held under the auspices of the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR. Rwanda is represented by Ngoga Aristarque, permanent secretary at the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management.
Held every four years, the meeting brings together UNHCR and its member states to assess achievements, share information and consider new measures to address ongoing refugee challenges.
Rwanda is among the countries hosting refugees and migrants, providing shelter to more than 14,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
The government has committed to supporting refugees through development programs integrated into national systems, including education, health care, employment and access to financial services, aimed at improving their livelihoods.
The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management said Rwanda will continue to support refugees who wish to voluntarily return to their home countries. The country’s commitment to refugee protection and assistance was reaffirmed by Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Murasira during the 76th UNHCR meeting held in Geneva in October.
