Nairobi Action Plan for Somali refugees: One year on

IGAD Ministers review progress and set priorities to deliver durable solutions to Somali refugees

From 20-22 March 2018 in Nairobi, the first regional stocktaking meeting took place to review progress made in delivering the Nairobi Declaration and Action Plan, which were adopted at the IGAD Heads of State and Government Special Summit on Durable Solutions for Somali Refugees on 25 March 2017. This process is being supported by IGAD, EU, UNHCR, World Bank and UNDP.

Progress achieved was given strong recognition. National plans are being developed, legal reforms introduced and programmes initiated. These are being bolstered regionally, notably through commitments on refugee education made in Djibouti last December. Together, refugees' protection is being secured, and their self-reliance and inclusion in national social services improved. Progress is also being made in creating an environment more conducive for refugee returns to Somalia.

IGAD Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deliver the Nairobi Declaration and Action Plan. This was set out in a Communiqué, which set priorities for the year ahead:

• invigorate efforts to address root causes of forced displacement, in particular in Somalia;
• finalize the development of national action plans by the end of 2018;
• continue developing, enacting or implementing refugee laws in order to transform refugee protection and durable solutions;
• improve significantly the access and quality of education for both refugees and host communities by implementing the Djibouti Declaration and Action Plan;
• hold the second regional thematic meeting within six-months, which will be on livelihoods;
• develop better finance tracking mechanisms at the national level, and strengthen the international community's solidarity and responsibility sharing.