Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA) has called on governments, international organisations, media institutions, civil society groups, and citizens worldwide to take proactive measures to protect refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and displaced persons.

The advocacy group made the call in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its executive director, Okey Ezugwu, to commemorate the 2026 Refugee Week.

According to the group, Refugee Week is an important opportunity to recognise the strength and contributions of displaced persons and to reflect on the collective responsibility to create a world where human dignity, protection, inclusion and justice are guaranteed for all people.

It expressed concern over the scale of forced displacement worldwide, noting that the crisis has reached an unprecedented level, and that women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, abuse and discrimination.

The group stated that the burden of courage should not be placed solely on affected people and communities, adding that governments and institutions must demonstrate equal courage by implementing effective policies and addressing the factors responsible for displacement.

It urged Nigeria to assume its role as a regional leader in refugee protection and migration management by strengthening the implementation of refugee and migration protection laws, improving institutional capacity, expanding access to education and healthcare, and providing greater opportunities for economic inclusion.

The group noted that countries in Africa and other developing regions must continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of hosting refugees despite limited resources and competing development priorities.

It also urged non-governmental organisations to continue to serve as critical partners in protecting the rights and welfare of refugees and migrants.

According to the group, citizens worldwide must reject xenophobia, discrimination and misinformation, while promoting understanding, empathy and social cohesion.

“The protection of refugees and migrants is not solely the responsibility of governments and institutions. Every individual has a role to play in building inclusive and compassionate societies,” it stated.