Mali

Mali remains the epicentre of the protracted Central Sahel crisis, where continued insecurity, climatic shocks, and communal conflict have led to widespread displacement. While the country hosts refugees and asylum-seekers from neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso – who have been granted refugee status without individual determination – over 360,000 people remain internally displaced, and more than 90,000 Malian refugees have returned since 2013.

UNHCR Mali works to address pressing protection needs and pursue durable solutions through voluntary return, reintegration, and local integration where feasible. The agency supports asylum processes, helps strengthen national legal frameworks in line with international standards, and continues to advocate for the domestication of the Kampala Convention.

UNHCR’s 2023–2026 strategy aligns with national and UN frameworks, aiming to reduce protection risks, empower communities, and advance sustainable solutions. Rooted in the Peace-Development-Humanitarian nexus, the strategy promotes community-based approaches, strengthens regional cooperation, and seeks to ensure inclusion of displaced and stateless persons in national development plans. Cross-cutting priorities include gender equality, climate action and civic participation – such as enabling Malian refugees abroad to take part in elections.