By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, November 17 2025 - Kenya has taken centre stage in global refugee protection as President William Ruto on Monday officially opened the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (IARMJ) in Nairobi — the first time the prestigious gathering is being held on African soil.
The week-long forum has brought together more than 200 judges, legal scholars, and migration law experts from across the world to address some of the most pressing challenges facing displaced populations.
This year’s theme, “Protecting the Integrity of the Refugee and Migration Systems,” reflects growing concerns over climate-induced displacement, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the misuse of asylum procedures.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Ruto urged nations to place justice and human dignity at the heart of migration governance.“The numbers are not mere statistics,” he said. “Refugees are individuals whose rights have been stretched, yet they continue to carry hope and the desire to rebuild their lives.”
He highlighted Kenya’s Shirika Plan, a home-grown model that seeks to empower refugees to live and work with dignity while fostering development and resilience within host communities. Kenya, one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations, has long been recognised for its progressive approach to displacement.
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Chief Justice Martha Koome underscored the judiciary’s responsibility in ensuring fairness and integrity in asylum claims. “No nation can manage refugee protection alone,” she said. “Judges must remain vigilant and courageous, ensuring each claim is handled justly. At its core, refugee protection is about human dignity, something no machine can replicate.”
The conference will explore a wide range of emerging issues, including the role of artificial intelligence in judicial processes, child asylum claims, credibility assessments, the use of social media evidence, and bilateral agreements to promote orderly migration.
Dr Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, warned that conflict, climate shocks, and governance challenges continue to fuel displacement across the continent.
“This growing pressure tests the integrity of protection systems and underscores the need for strong legal frameworks and an independent judiciary,” he said. Since 1995, the IARMJ World Conference has served as a vital platform for advancing reforms in refugee and migration law.
Hosting the event cements Kenya’s position as a global leader in championing human dignity, justice, and solidarity for millions of displaced people worldwide.
