On May 7th 2025, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) hosted a debrief session with Refugee-led Organizations Networks (RELONs) from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and DR Congo under the umbrella of the African Refugee-led Network (ARN). The meeting was co-convened with the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) and Oxfam, alongside UNHCR, as part of an EU-funded action to advance comprehensive durable solutions in the Great Lakes region through dialogue and peer-learning (2023-2027).
The session focused on presenting the outcomes and recommendations from a recent regional symposium held in in Bujumbura from April 1st to 4th 2025, where RELONs identified shared priorities, strengthen collaboration, and inform regional processes with perspectives grounded in lived experience.
A discussion rooted in urgency and the need for inclusion
The Great Lakes region continues to grapple with protracted and complex displacement crises. As needs rise, funding for humanitarian aid constricts, and political pressure mounts, the importance of holistic, coordinated and inclusive responses has never been clearer.
The discussion created space to elevate refugee perspectives and align civil society priorities with the ICGLR’s ongoing engagement. This includes not only efforts to fulfil a commitment made by Member States to develop a comprehensive regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees, but also as part of the ICGLR’s broader role in peacebuilding, regional stability and – as multiple participants emphasized – addressing statelessness.
The urgency of the moment was underscored by an attack that same day in Port Sudan amidst the ongoing crisis in Sudan, with the area serving as a refuge for a large number of displaced people. Participants also raised with concern the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where renewed insecurity has forced nearly 150,000 people to flee to neighbouring countries in the region. In Burundi, for example, the refugee population has doubled in recent months, placing further pressure on already overstretched local and humanitarian systems. Participants emphasized that the situation in DRC demands greater attention and collective engagement to ensure displacement-affected communities receive the protection, resources and long-term solutions they urgently need.
“Anything for Us, Without Us, Is Against Us”
Throughout the dialogue, one message rang clear: refugees must not only be included – they must help lead. The ICGLR acknowledged this call, affirming that civil society engagement is not an add-on, but a core principle in its regional displacement approach. Structured networks, such as the RELONs, were highlighted as key to ensuring coordination and avoiding fragmented advocacy.
This was reinforced by a participant from RELON Burundi, who called for a fundamental mindset shift: refugees are not passive beneficiaries, but active contributors to the communities in which they reside. They underscored that protection must come first – but once safety is secured, refugee-led organizations and should help lead policy and planning processes.
Overall, discussions identified several strategic priorities to guide further collaboration:
- Advance local integration as a viable solution for refugees from countries facing protracted crises by promoting inclusive policies, strengthening service delivery in host areas, and supporting initiatives that foster social cohesion between refugees and host communities – while also ensuring the principled, voluntary nature of return where conditions allow.
- Strengthen protection and legal documentation for RLOs, including formal recognition for refugee-led networks and support for legal identity as a foundation for engagement, mobility and access to services.
- Promote freedom of movement, in alignment with ongoing efforts by the EAC and AU to advance regional mobility frameworks and remove visa and travel restrictions that disproportionately affect refugees.
- Promote financing inclusion and economic participation by ensuring refugees can access livelihood opportunities, training and financial systems in host countries – particularly where government policy restricts these activities – and explore tangible ways to put partnerships with private sector into action.
- Institutionalize refugee representation in regional policy platforms, not only as participants in consultations but as active contributors to policy design, monitoring, and decision-making.
- Promote refugee participation in peace processes in national and regional peacebuilding dialogues facilitated by the ICGLR and its Member States.
- Document best practices and improve access to data, to ensure refugee-led and civil society actors can engage in informed advocacy, shape evidence-based strategies, and contribute meaningfully to policy dialogue at national and regional levels.
A collective commitment
This discussion is part of an evolving process led by the ICGLR to build inclusive, regional policy responses to displacement. The outcomes from this meeting will feed directly into the drafting of the regional strategy on durable solutions for refugees, and into broader engagement with Member States on displacement and peacebuilding.
All participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together – not only to move the strategy forward, but to ensure engagement is grounded in refugee leadership, built on community realities, and driven by a shared vision for solutions that last.
