Celebrating 75 Years of Hope: World Refugee Day 2026
The 75th Anniversary of World Refugee Day was commemorated with great enthusiasm at St. Peter's School, Adagom Village, under the theme *“Until Everyone Is Safe.”* The event brought together refugees, members of the host community, partner organizations, community leaders, teachers, and students in a shared celebration of resilience, hope, and solidarity. The commemoration provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees while recognizing their courage, strength, and contributions to society. It also reinforced the importance of collective action in ensuring protection, dignity, and opportunities for all displaced persons. ## Event Highlights The celebration featured a range of engaging and interactive activities aimed at fostering social cohesion and strengthening relationships between refugees, host communities, and humanitarian partners. A major highlight of the event was a football encounter between representatives of partner organizations and a combined team of refugees and members of the host community. The match created an atmosphere of excitement, unity, and friendly competition, drawing enthusiastic support from spectators. Beyond the game itself, the football encounter served as a powerful symbol of inclusion, teamwork, and peaceful coexistence. Participants also enjoyed cultural performances, entertainment sessions, and goodwill messages that emphasized the importance of standing together in support of refugees and vulnerable populations.
🌍 World Refugee Day 2026: Until Everyone Is Safe, Our Work Is Not Done
"Every story matters. Every person counts." On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the world will unite once again to commemorate World Refugee Day—a day dedicated to honoring the courage, resilience, and hope of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, and disasters. This year's theme, "Until Everyone Is Safe: Building a Better Future Together," is more than a slogan. It is a global call to action reminding us that true peace and progress can only be achieved when everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity to live in safety and dignity. A Global Crisis That Demands Global Compassion Behind every refugee statistic is a human story—a mother protecting her children, a father searching for security, a young girl determined to continue her education, or a family dreaming of a place they can finally call home. The journey of a refugee is often filled with unimaginable hardship, yet it is also marked by incredible resilience. These stories remind us that hope survives even in the most difficult circumstances. As communities, organizations, and governments, we all have a responsibility to ensure that refugees are not only protected but empowered to rebuild their lives.
*Together We Can Build a Period-Friendly World*
## **Everybody Has a Role to Play** Menstrual health is not just a women's or girls' issue—it is a shared responsibility. Creating a **period-friendly world** means ensuring that every girl and woman can manage her menstruation with dignity, confidence, and without discrimination. This goal cannot be achieved by one person or one organization alone. It requires collective action from Adagom 1, Adagom 3, Ukende Refugee families, communities, institutions, and governments. ### **What Does a Period-Friendly World Mean?** A period-friendly world is one where: * Every girl has access to safe and affordable menstrual products. * Schools provide clean toilets, water, and sanitation facilities. * Menstruation is discussed openly without shame or stigma. * Girls never miss school because of their periods. * Communities support menstrual health and protect the dignity of women and girls. ## **Everyone Has a Responsibility** ### **Government** Governments should develop and implement policies that improve menstrual health, provide affordable sanitary products, and ensure schools and public facilities have adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. ### **UNHCR and Humanitarian Organizations** Organizations such as UNHCR and its partners play a critical role in ensuring that refugee and displaced women and girls receive menstrual hygiene kits, health education, and safe spaces where they can manage their periods with dignity during emergencies. ### **Community Leaders** Traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, and community influencers can help break harmful myths and encourage open conversations about menstruation. Their voices can inspire positive change and reduce stigma. ### **Parents and Caregivers** Parents should educate their children—both girls and boys—about menstruation. A supportive home environment helps girls feel confident and reduces fear and embarrassment during their first period. ### **School Principals and Head Teachers** Schools should create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments by providing menstrual hygiene facilities, emergency sanitary pads, and menstrual health education. No girl should have to choose between attending school and managing her period. ### **Teachers** Teachers can provide accurate information, support students experiencing menstrual challenges, and help eliminate stigma within the classroom. ### **Market Leaders and Employers** Market associations and employers can contribute by ensuring women and girls have access to clean sanitation facilities and promoting menstrual health awareness within their workplaces and communities. ### **Young People** Boys and girls alike should become champions of menstrual health by treating one another with respect, challenging stereotypes, and supporting friends without ridicule or discrimination. ## **Together, We Can Make a Difference** Creating a period-friendly world is everyone's responsibility. When governments invest in menstrual health, communities speak openly, schools provide safe environments, parents offer support, and organizations continue their advocacy, we move closer to a future where no girl is left behind because of her period. Every conversation matters. Every action counts. Every partnership creates change. ## **A Call to Action** Let us work together to build communities where menstruation is understood, accepted, and supported. Whether you are a government official, humanitarian worker, teacher, parent, community leader, market leader, or young person, your role is important. **Together, we can create a period-friendly world where every girl and woman can thrive with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunity.**
Football Unites Refugee and Host Community Children in a Celebration of Peace
"Until Everyone Is Safe" was more than just a theme—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, inclusion, and hope. On Tuesday, 16th June 2026, refugee and host community children came together for a Solidarity Football Match, creating an atmosphere of friendship, teamwork, and mutual respect. Rather than competing as separate groups, the children were intentionally placed in mixed teams, encouraging them to work together, communicate, and build new friendships beyond their backgrounds. Before the kickoff, the coach addressed the young players with a brief but impactful five-minute talk on the importance of respect, kindness, and standing against bullying. The message emphasized that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and included—both on and off the football field. As the match unfolded, the excitement of the game replaced barriers with laughter, teamwork, and shared celebrations. The football pitch became a space where differences faded, and common goals brought everyone together. The event successfully reduced tension, strengthened trust, and fostered positive relationships between refugee and host community children. It demonstrated how sport can serve as a powerful tool for promoting peace, social cohesion, and inclusion. By creating opportunities for children to connect through play, initiatives like this help build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the chance to thrive—because until everyone is safe, no one is truly safe.
Psychological effects of Sexual exploitation
Psychological Effects of Sexual Exploitation Focus Group Discussion at Adagom One Refugee Settlement, Ogoja As volunteers of GEESI Development and Humanitarian Initiative, a refugee-led organization working in partnership with UNHCR and COHERE, we recently facilitated a focus group discussion with members of the Adagom One Refugee Settlement in Ogoja. The session created a safe space for participants to openly discuss the psychological effects of sexual exploitation and how it impacts survivors within our community. Below is a summary of the key issues raised during our discussion. Emotional and Mood Effects During the session, participants shared that survivors of sexual exploitation often struggle with deep emotional pain. Many survivors experience shame, guilt, and self-blame, even though they are not responsible for what happened to them. We discussed how these emotions can silence survivors and prevent them from seeking help. Community members also highlighted anxiety and hypervigilance — survivors may constantly feel unsafe, easily startled, or unable to relax, even in environments that are secure. Depression was another common concern mentioned. This may present as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion. Some participants explained that survivors sometimes develop emotional numbness, disconnecting from their feelings as a coping mechanism to protect themselves from further pain. Trauma-Related Effects As volunteers, we listened carefully as participants described trauma-related challenges. Many survivors may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories, and avoidance of reminders associated with the abuse. The group also discussed dissociation, where a person may feel detached from their body or surroundings during or after traumatic experiences. Another important issue raised was difficulty with trust. Survivors may struggle to trust others, including close family members or intimate partners, which can affect long-term relationships. Behavioral and Relational Effects The discussion also explored how trauma affects behavior and social relationships. Some survivors may withdraw from family, friends, or community activities as a way of protecting themselves. Participants noted that in some cases, survivors may engage in risky coping behaviors, such as substance use, self-harm, or unsafe sexual practices. We emphasized during the discussion that these behaviors are often responses to unresolved trauma. We also spoke about difficulties with intimacy, where survivors may experience fear, avoidance, or confusion around healthy relationships and sexual boundaries. Physical Effects Linked to Psychological Trauma Participants acknowledged that psychological trauma often manifests physically. Common concerns mentioned include: Sleep disturbances Changes in appetite Frequent headaches Stomach problems and other stress-related symptoms These physical symptoms remind us that mental and physical health are deeply connected. Moving Forward Facilitating this discussion at Adagom One Refugee Settlement reaffirmed the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can speak openly and access support. At GEESI Development and Humanitarian Initiative, we remain committed to raising awareness, strengthening community understanding, and working alongside UNHCR and COHERE to promote protection, prevention, and access to psychosocial support services.
Addressing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Through Community Engagement.
In many humanitarian and displacement settings, women and girls continue to face heightened risks of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including sexual exploitation and abuse. During a recent community engagement meeting with women, important discussions were held around the growing concern of individuals offering money, gifts, favors, or other forms of assistance in exchange for sexual acts — a harmful practice that violates human dignity, protection principles, and human rights. The meeting created a safe and supportive space for women to openly share experiences, concerns, and challenges affecting their safety and well-being within their communities. Participants emphasized that sexual exploitation often thrives in situations where vulnerability, poverty, and unequal power relations exist, particularly among displaced populations and economically disadvantaged households. Women participating in the discussion identified poverty and economic dependency as one of the leading drivers of exploitation. Many vulnerable women and girls, especially those with limited income opportunities, may find themselves exposed to coercion or manipulation in exchange for basic necessities such as food, money, shelter, transportation, or protection. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for sustainable livelihood programmes and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at reducing dependency and strengthening self-reliance. The meeting also underscored the role of limited education and lack of awareness in perpetuating exploitation and abuse. Some women explained that many survivors are unaware of their rights or do not fully understand available protection mechanisms and reporting channels. Community sensitization, awareness campaigns, and access to education were identified as critical tools in preventing abuse and empowering women and girls to recognize and report harmful behavior. Another key issue raised during the engagement was the weakness of justice and accountability systems, coupled with fear of reporting incidents. Participants expressed concerns that survivors often remain silent due to stigma, fear of retaliation, lack of confidentiality, or mistrust in existing reporting structures. The women emphasized the importance of strengthening confidential reporting pathways, ensuring survivor-centered support services, and promoting accountability for perpetrators of exploitation and abuse.
UNHCR and Partners Promote Self-Reliance Through Cooperative Farming
During a joint field engagement, Mr. Cheng Laban, Director of Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative, met with UNHCR representatives at a community farm cooperative where maize and groundnuts are being cultivated to support vulnerable households through sustainable agricultural production. The UNHCR representatives were accompanied by a collective group of ground experts and field personnel who participated in the assessment and discussions surrounding the progress and impact of the initiative. The visit provided an opportunity to evaluate ongoing farming activities, identify challenges affecting agricultural productivity, and explore practical approaches to strengthening community-based livelihood programmes. Discussions focused on improving food production, enhancing technical support for farmers, and promoting sustainable farming practices capable of supporting long-term community resilience. The cooperative serves as an important platform for promoting food security, economic empowerment, and social cohesion among displaced and host communities. Through collective farming, skills-sharing, and agricultural training, participating households are able to improve access to nutritious food, generate income, and strengthen their capacity to withstand economic and displacement-related challenges. The engagement further underscored the importance of collaboration between humanitarian organizations, technical experts, local leadership, and community groups in advancing self-reliance and durable solutions. By investing in agriculture and cooperative-driven initiatives, communities are better positioned to restore dignity, reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance, and build sustainable pathways toward recovery and long-term stability.
Refugee Children Denied Access To Medication
REFUGEE CHILDREN DENIED DRUGS... Addressing Misinformation Among Refugees: Southern Cameroonian Parents Engage in Critical Dialogue. In a proactive move to safeguard the well-being of refugee children, Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative recently convened a gathering of Southern Cameroonian refugee parents to address the growing challenge of misinformation within refugee communities. The engagement focused on correcting harmful narratives that have led to fear, confusion, and decisions negatively affecting children’s health and education. One major concern discussed was misinformation surrounding mebendazole, a medication routinely administered in schools to prevent and treat intestinal worm infections. Parents had been falsely informed that the drug originated from Cameroon and was intended to harm or kill their children. This misleading narrative led some parents to withdraw their children from school, believing it was a protective measure. Health facilitators at the gathering, Mr E. Martins, clarified that mebendazole is a globally recognised, safe, and widely used deworming medication recommended for children to support their growth, nutrition, and overall health.
INTERGRATED COOPERATIVE
Tru Chrisz reporting for Intergrated Cooperative 🎥🌱 6 Today, 10th of April, I was with the Integrated Cooperative, a newly created platform bringing hope, dignity, and economic empowerment through farming. What I witnessed today was more than just farming activities — it was commitment, unity, and resilience in action. The volunteers truly impressed both the Director and I with their dedication and teamwork. Their gratitude for the opportunity was heartfelt, and their excitement was visible as they promised to return even earlier tomorrow to continue the work with renewed energy. That spirit alone tells me this cooperative is destined for impact. Special appreciation to UNHCR and partners, and Cohere for their continuous humanitarian support, and deep gratitude to GDH Initiative and their Director Mr. Cheng Laban for making this crop farming empowerment possible. Your investment in people is planting seeds that will feed futures. We also look forward to having the women present tomorrow to actively support and strengthen this collective effort, the empowerment includes both genders. I call on the Nigerian Government to recognize and support initiatives like the Integrated Cooperative. Sustainable empowerment at the grassroots level is key to building resilient communities and reducing dependency. Together, we grow. Together, we rise. 🌾🇳🇬
GDHI SCHOOL SENSITIZATION ON GBV.
Volunteers from GEESI Development and Humanitarian Initiative conducted a sensitization session with students at Government Secondary School Ukende to commemorate International Women’s Day. The session focused on educating students on youth rights, gender equality, and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Students were encouraged to understand and uphold their rights, respect one another, and report any form of violence or abuse. The activity aimed to promote awareness and foster a culture of equality and non-violence among young people
INTERGRATED COOPERATIVE
Today, 9th of April, I was with the Integrated Cooperative, a newly created platform bringing hope, dignity, and economic empowerment through farming. The integration of refugee women into agricultural cooperatives, as advocated by the Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative (GDHI), represents a strategic shift from passive aid dependency to active economic agency. By leveraging collective labor, these initiatives aim to address the structural barriers—such as lack of land tenure, limited capital, and social isolation—that often prevent displaced populations from achieving self-reliance. What I witnessed today was more than just farming activities — it was commitment, unity, and resilience in action. The volunteers truly impressed both the Director and I with their dedication and teamwork. Their gratitude for the opportunity was heartfelt, and their excitement was visible as they promised to return even earlier tomorrow to continue the work with renewed energy. That spirit alone tells me this cooperative is destined for impact. Special appreciation to UNHCR and partners, and Cohere for their continuous humanitarian support, and deep gratitude to GDH Initiative and their Director Mr. Cheng Laban for making this crop farming empowerment possible. Your investment in people is planting seeds that will feed futures. We also look forward to having the women present tomorrow to actively support and strengthen this collective effort, the empowerment includes both genders.
International Women`s Day 2026
To commemorate International Women's Day, a friendly football match was organized between refugee women and staff from The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partner organizations. The event served as a platform to celebrate the strength, resilience, and empowerment of women within the refugee community. The match brought together refugee women from the settlement and representatives of UNHCR and its partners in a spirit of unity, teamwork, and solidarity. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring, with participants and spectators cheering enthusiastically throughout the game. Beyond the competition, the activity symbolized inclusion, equality, and the importance of supporting women’s participation in community activities. Overall, the event was successful in highlighting the significance of International Women’s Day while fostering positive interaction between refugee communities and humanitarian partners. The match not only celebrated women but also reinforced the shared commitment to promoting dignity, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all women.
Into The Hearts Of Refugees
The psychological and emotional landscape of refugee children is a complex tapestry of resilience, profound loss, and the enduring search for safety. These children, who constitute approximately 40% of the global refugee population, often carry "invisible baggage" consisting of traumatic memories from their homelands, harrowing journeys, and the uncertainty of life in host countries. By coming to the aid of this Children, we provide a place of comfort in their hearts ❤, giving them a new Determination Of Hope For A Better Tomorrow...
Protection-Centered Livelihoods for Vulnerable Groups
The Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative (GDHI) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) established in 2019 to address the systemic vulnerabilities faced by displaced populations, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). At its core, the organization operates on the principle of "Humanitarian Protection," which involves not only providing immediate relief but also ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals in crisis. By focusing on women, children, and the elderly, GDHI aligns with global humanitarian standards that prioritize those most at risk during displacement. The initiative’s multifaceted approach combines emergency aid, such as food distribution, with long-term developmental goals like education and vocational training to foster a transition from dependency to self-reliance
At The African Union (AU) Humanitarian Summit
Mr. Cheng Laban, the Executive Director of the Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative (GDHI) has emerged as a pivotal figure in the contemporary discourse on refugee-led advocacy within the African continent. His work primarily focuses on shifting the humanitarian paradigm from one of passive aid reception to one of active, meaningful participation by displaced persons. At the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Humanitarian Summit and Pledging Conference, Mr. Cheng Laban represented the collective voice of the Africa Refugee-Led Network (ARN), emphasizing that refugees are not merely beneficiaries of aid but are essential stakeholders in the design and implementation of durable solutions
THE JOY OF REFUGEES
The celebration of World Refugee Day 2024 at the Ukende Refugee Settlement in Ogoja, Cross River State (C.R.S.), Nigeria, represents a localized manifestation of a global humanitarian movement. This event, centered on the theme "Hope Away from Home," served as a platform for displaced individuals to demonstrate their resilience through the exhibition of tangible goods and Fashion Design produced during the GDHI Livelihood Workshop. Such celebrations are critical because they shift the narrative of refugees from being passive recipients of aid to active contributors to the local economy and social fabric. In the context of Nigeria, which hosts thousands of Cameroonian refugees in the Ogoja region, these activities highlight the transition from emergency relief to sustainable development and self-reliance.
HUMANITARIAN CORE
In partnership with UNHCR for the distribution of basic life support Items at the various Refugees Settlements and Host Communities in CRS, Nigeria...
MHM SENSITIZATION
Healthy Minds, Healthy Mothers! MHM sensitization is key to supporting women and girls of reproductive age encapsulates a vital intersection between biological health, psychological well-being, and social justice. Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) is no longer viewed merely as a matter of sanitation; it is a fundamental pillar of human rights and gender equality.
LIVELIHOOD
Tree planting is a vital environmental action that can significantly benefit both refugees and host communities. It not only contributes to ecological restoration but also fosters social cohesion, economic opportunities, and mental well-being. 🌴Cohere, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
CHILD PROTECTION
The protection and well-being of children within refugee and host communities represent one of the most critical humanitarian imperatives in contemporary Nigeria. As conflict, environmental displacement, and Socio-economic instability continue to affect the Lake Chad Basin and the Middle Belt regions, the vulnerability of children—particularly those displaced from their homes—has reached the highest point that requires integrated, multi-sectoral intervention strategies. Child protection is not merely the absence of violence; it is the proactive creation of an environment where a child’s physical, psychological, and social development is guaranteed through legal frameworks, community vigilance, and institutional support