Cameroon has stepped up calls for greater international support for refugees, with Territorial Administration Minister Paul Atanga Nji urging stronger cooperation with the United Nations refugee agency to address the growing demands on host communities.
The minister appealed to an audience with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 15, 2026, as part of activities surrounding the 77th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee.
The meeting brought together the Cameroonian government and the UN refugee agency at a time when declining humanitarian funding is making it increasingly difficult for countries hosting displaced populations to meet their needs.
Atanga Nji used the discussions to underline the importance of sustained international assistance to Cameroon, which continues to host refugees fleeing conflict and insecurity in neighbouring countries.
He stressed that protecting refugees requires more than the willingness of host countries to open their borders. It also demands reliable financial backing, effective humanitarian coordination and a stronger commitment from international partners.
Salih commends Cameroon's hospitality
During the audience, Barham Salih expressed appreciation to President Paul Biya and the people of Cameroon for welcoming refugees and providing protection to vulnerable populations.
His remarks acknowledged the country's contribution to regional humanitarian efforts and its continued role in receiving people forced to leave their homes because of conflict and insecurity.
For Cameroon, cooperation with the UNHCR remains important in coordinating assistance, protecting refugees' rights and identifying lasting solutions for displaced people.
The country has consistently called for a fairer distribution of the responsibility of hosting refugees, arguing that the financial burden should not rest mainly on countries directly receiving them.
Funding concerns dominate refugee discussions
The meeting also took place against the backdrop of growing concerns over the gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available to address them.
Cameroon faces pressure from displacement linked to insecurity within parts of its territory, as well as instability in neighbouring countries. These situations have increased the demand for shelter, protection and other forms of humanitarian assistance.
Atanga Nji has maintained that international partners must provide adequate and predictable funding to help Cameroon sustain its response without placing excessive pressure on host communities.
Such support is particularly important as humanitarian organizations face competing demands and reduced resources in several parts of the world.
Stronger cooperation between the government and the UNHCR is expected to remain central to efforts to coordinate refugee assistance and respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Cameroon pushes for shared responsibility
The Geneva meeting formed part of the 77th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, held at the Palais des Nations from October 12 to 16, 2026.
The gathering brought together government representatives and humanitarian stakeholders to discuss refugee protection, forced displacement and ways to improve international cooperation.
Cameroon's position is that countries providing shelter to refugees must receive the necessary support to fulfil their humanitarian obligations.
By engaging directly with the UNHCR leadership, Atanga Nji renewed the country's call for international solidarity to translate into practical assistance for refugees and the communities hosting them.
The discussions reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between Cameroon and the UN refugee agency as both sides work to address humanitarian challenges and improve protection for displaced populations.
#Laarry Times
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