Refugee Convention at 75: Time for a Localized, Urban Approach

This year marks a significant milestone: the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. This foundational treaty, which outlines global responsibilities towards those fleeing persecution, was crafted in a very different era. Back then, displacement was largely viewed as a temporary emergency, often managed through encampment.

However, the world has changed dramatically. Today, over 117 million people are forcibly displaced, and their reality is increasingly urban. Refugees are no longer just waiting in camps; they are integrating into towns and cities, seeking work, education, and the chance to build a life, much like any other resident. This migration trend is dramatically reshaping the refugee landscape.

Uganda has been lauded for its progressive refugee policies, but even here, a gap is widening. As international funding recedes, conditions in settlements can deteriorate, leading to increased hardship. Meanwhile, the move of refugees into urban centers often goes unaddressed in traditional programming and funding models, which remain camp-centric.

The experience of Koboko Municipality in northwestern Uganda offers a compelling alternative. As its mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how refugees contribute to our community. Our “Koboko Model” champions direct funding and discretionary power to local governments, enabling them to design solutions tailored to their specific context. This approach recognizes refugees not as a burden, but as an opportunity for economic growth, entrepreneurship, and increased demand.

As we reflect on the 75th anniversary of the Convention, it’s crucial to move beyond mere reaffirmation. We need a genuine reckoning with where power and funding reside. This means putting resources and authority directly into the hands of municipal and city governments. It also means recognizing refugees’ right to meaningful participation, ensuring they are active agents in shaping the policies that affect them, rather than passive recipients of aid.

Supporting the shift from settlement-based responses to urban-inclusive strategies is vital. This approach needs to be institutionalized within local government structures to ensure sustainability beyond donor cycles and political changes. The authors of the Convention could not have foreseen the scale of displacement today, but their core tenet remains true: protection is an obligation. In places like Koboko, where refugees and their neighbors are already building a shared future, this obligation is being discharged daily.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)