We’ve  been left “forgotten” in the middle of the desert- Refugees in Niger

Refugees at the Agadez Humanitarian Centre in Niger have accused the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partner humanitarian organisations of neglecting their plight, saying they have been left “forgotten” in the middle of the desert.

The refugees, represented on X by the handle @refugeesniger, made the allegations in a series of posts highlighting what they described as prolonged suffering, violations and inadequate attention to their concerns at the centre.

According to the group, refugees have continued a peaceful protest in front of the UNHCR office at the Agadez Humanitarian Centre, despite what they described as neglect and violations of their rights.

“Day 683” of the protest, the group said, had been observed without interruption, urging the international community to speak out about the refugees’ conditions.

“The @Refugees at the #Agadez Humanitarian Center are forgotten refugees in the middle of the desert abandoned by the @UNHCRNiger and its partner humanitarian organizations. Please speak about them and their suffering,” the group posted.

The refugees also alleged that the treatment they had received at the centre raised questions about the motives and conduct of some humanitarian organisations operating in the region.

“The abuses suffered by refugees at the humanitarian center in #Agadez Niger indicate that there are ulterior motives within humanitarian organizations and that these organizations have a hidden agenda,” another post said.

They described their prolonged protest as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice and commitment to their demands, insisting that they would continue their peaceful action despite the difficulties they face.

“The refugees at the Agadez Humanitarian Center are a symbol of true struggle in the world, a symbol of sacrifice and steadfastness to principle,” the group said.

The refugees’ statements did not provide specific details of the alleged violations or identify particular humanitarian organisations beyond UNHCR Niger and its partners.

The Agadez region, located in central Niger, is a major transit and migration hub in the Sahara and has hosted migrants, asylum seekers and refugees affected by displacement and migration movements across the Sahel.

The allegations underscore continuing concerns over the protection and welfare of displaced populations in remote humanitarian settings, particularly where access to essential services and durable solutions remains limited.