UNHCR 95th Standing Committee - Statement by the EU and its Member States - Agenda item 3 Regional updates: Africa

UNHCR 95th Standing Committee - Statement by the EU and its Member States - Agenda item 3 Regional updates: Africa

UNHCR 95^th Standing Committee

24-25 March 2026

Agenda item 3 Regional updates: Africa

Statement by the EU and its Member States

Chair,

I speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The EU salutes the unwavering solidarity demonstrated by African host nations, amid immense challenges including conflict, food insecurity, climate pressures, and political instability, which continue to drive displacement.

In Sudan, which remains the world's largest displacement crisis, the situation has deteriorated further with new waves of mass displacement following the takeover of and massacre in El Fasher and escalating violence in other regions. Thousands of people have fled to neighbouring countries, leading to more than 4 million displaced to Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Central African Republic. In these contexts, while life-saving aid remains critical, it is also key to promote inclusion and social cohesion efforts. In Sudan, we call on UNHCR and partners to expand their presence in remote areas to enhance civilian protection if the security situation allows. An estimated 3,3 million people have returned to their area of origin in Sudan - it is important to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe, dignified, and durable. The EU calls on the leadership of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as those supporting these entities, to end the conflict, engage in constructive negotiations towards an immediate ceasefire, and ensure rapid, unimpeded and sustainable humanitarian access, along with the protection of civilians across all of Sudan.

In South Sudan, we commend UNHCR's coordination with IOM to prevent border congestion but stress the need for enhanced coordination in Upper Nile State, where protection risks remain high, particularly for women, girls, and persons with disabilities. In Ethiopia, we welcome the government's progressive refugee policies and urge UNHCR to advocate for resumed registration, cash-based assistance, and aid diversion prevention, while ensuring IHL compliance and humanitarian access. The EU will continue to support, through a nexus approach, Uganda and Kenya's generous refugee policies, in which UNHCR plays a key role. However, the recent decision of the Government of Uganda to suspend the prima facie status for asylum seekers from the DRC, South Sudan, and Sudan is a real concern. We welcome ongoing engagement between UNHCR and Uganda on continued refugee protection.

In the DRC, relentless conflict and widespread violations of human rights and IHL has caused record displacement. The EU supports UNHCR in strengthening protection monitoring, SGBV response, and advocacy for humanitarian principles and unhindered access. In the Great Lakes, the EU supports durable solutions for Burundian and Congolese refugees, including the provision of legal documentation, protection, and access to services. Burundi has experienced a massive influx of refugees fleeing escalating violence. We support and encourage UNHCR in delivering adequate protection and life-saving assistance, including shelter, core relief items and access to essential services, in addition to inclusion efforts.

The EU also supports durable solutions in Rwanda such as resettlement for refugees evacuated via the Emergency Transit Mechanism.

In West and Central Africa, worsening instability demands strengthened protection monitoring, faster refugee registration, climate-sensitive responses and strengthened assistance to out-of-camp refugees. We count on UNHCR's role to continue to mitigate the risk and impact of camp closure policies, and to spearhead the search for durable solutions for forcibly displaced populations.

In Southern Africa, Mozambique is experiencing severe displacement of persons following recent cyclones and due to armed violence in Cabo Delgado. Returns and relocations must be voluntary, safe and dignified, with psychosocial support for IDPs, returnees, and hosts. In Malawi, Mozambican asylum-seekers need stronger protection measures as well as durable solutions including community inclusion and access to services. In Zimbabwe, recent weather events illustrate the need for UNHCR to strengthen camp preparedness for natural hazards. In South Africa, we encourage UNHCR to undertake advocacy in promoting refugee inclusion.

We commend UNHCR's continued commitment to deliver on its protection mandate, including in contexts where funding shortages have had severe impacts on UNHCR's protection capacity. We support the new High Commissioner's renewed efforts to advance both protection and durable solutions. You can count on the EU's financial and political commitment to Africa, which will remain a top priority for the EU. We value our strategic partnership recently reaffirmed during the last EU - AU Summit in November 2025.

Thank you.