NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Samoei Ruto on Monday officially opened the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (IARMJ), urging the global community to strengthen the integrity of asylum systems and uphold justice for displaced populations amid what he termed “a defining moment in human history.”
Addressing judges and delegates from across the world gathered in Nairobi, President Ruto noted that more than 120 million people are currently displaced globally, the highest number ever recorded, driven by conflict, persecution, economic collapse, and environmental crises.
“These numbers are not mere statistics,” he said. “They remind us of the urgency to protect the integrity of refugee and migration systems.”
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s position as one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, with nearly 580,000 refugees and asylum seekers currently living in the country. He said Kenya’s open-door policy reflects its deep commitment to humanity, solidarity, and international law.
Kenya is a signatory to key global and regional refugee protection instruments, and in 2021 enacted the Refugees Act, which grants refugees the right to work, move freely, and access public services.
He underscored the government’s flagship refugee inclusion initiative, the Shirika Plan, launched earlier this year, which aims to transform long-standing refugee camps into integrated settlements where refugees and host communities live and work together.
“It is a bold shift from encampment to empowerment,” Ruto said, calling it a model aligned with the Global Compact on Refugees and African Union principles.
Calling the rule of law the “backbone” of refugee protection, Ruto said judges hold immense responsibility as their decisions often determine whether asylum seekers receive safety or face danger.
He urged courts worldwide to uphold fairness, independence, and impartiality in adjudicating claims and to harmonise refugee jurisprudence through international cooperation.
“Justice must not depend on geography or chance,” he said. “Where courts are free from political interference, they safeguard credibility and public trust.”
Ruto also emphasized the need for timely hearings, access to legal counsel, the right to appeal, and stronger institutional capacity to prevent backlogs and abuse.
The President warned that climate change is rapidly becoming a major driver of displacement, with projections showing up to 200 million climate-displaced people by 2050. He called for evolving legal protections for those fleeing environmental collapse and for stronger resilience strategies to address displacement at its source.
He also raised concerns about the misuse of asylum systems, trafficking networks, and migrant smuggling, which exploit vulnerable populations.
“Victims of trafficking must not be treated as criminals,” he said, stressing the need for balanced enforcement and compassion.
On technology, Ruto acknowledged the potential of artificial intelligence in improving asylum processes but cautioned against over-reliance on opaque algorithms prone to bias.
“Technology must remain a servant of justice, not its master,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya remains committed to hosting refugees but cannot do it alone, calling on the international community to increase financial support, resettlement opportunities, and technical cooperation.
“Host communities should not bear the burden alone,” he said. “Solidarity is not charity; it is justice.”
He urged the judges to uphold the highest standards of fairness and integrity, noting that their decisions shape lives and strengthen the global refugee protection system.
President Ruto concluded by officially opening the conference, which brings together the world’s top refugee and migration judges for several days of dialogue and collaboration in Nairobi.
About The Author
