ECOWAS Court and UNHCR Launch Joint Workplan to Strengthen Protection for Displaced and Stateless Persons

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commenced the implementation of their 2025 Joint Workplan on 3 April 2025 with an information-sharing session.

The hybrid session started off the Joint Workplan earlier adopted by both institutions. It reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing access to justice and protecting the rights of refugees, stateless persons, and other persons of concern across the region.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Yaouza Ouro-Sama, Chief Registrar of the Court, underscored the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region, including displacement of persons driven by conflict, political and economic instability, insecurity, and the adverse impacts of climate change.

“We are reminded that the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in West Africa are not confined to national borders. They require a coordinated, unified response from all of us,” he said.

He acknowledged the critical role played by the UNHCR in supporting affected populations and emphasised the need for continued collaboration to reinforce legal protections under regional and international law.

“Through today’s engagement, we aim to strengthen our collective understanding of the legal frameworks governing the rights of refugees and displaced persons. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and experiences, we can better advocate for and safeguard the rights of vulnerable communities throughout the region,” Dr. Ouro-Sama added.

Mr. Hervé Kuate, UNHCR Senior Liaison Adviser, ECOWAS/ECCAS commended the Court’s unwavering dedication to ensuring justice, the rule of law, and human rights in West Africa.

“The role of the Court is pivotal in delivering justice to refugees and displaced persons, particularly those who are stateless or at risk of becoming stateless,” he noted. “This partnership is key to advancing legal protection, strengthening frameworks, and increasing access to justice for those most in need.”

The session featured presentations, experience-sharing, and dialogue on best practice. Participants from both institutions including representatives from UNHCR’s headquarters in Geneva, its regional and field offices as well as directors and staff of the Court engaged in productive discussions.

This information session was held under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. Highlights of the 2025 joint workplan include coordination meetings, capacity building, sensitisation campaigns, and judicial and legal framework support.

Among the highlighted upcoming activities is the inaugural Moot Court Competition of the ECOWAS Court scheduled to hold this year, which among other themes, will also enhance legal literacy and engagement on displacement and statelessness issues. This collaboration underscores the collective commitment of the Court and UNHCR to promote human rights, ensure access to justice, and respond effectively in their unique capacities, to the complex realities facing displaced populations in the region.