Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire is home to one of Africa's largest populations at risk of statelessness, more than 1.6 million people. Committed to ending statelessness by 2024, Côte d'Ivoire is the first country in Africa to establish a process to identify and protect stateless persons.

Since 2011, more than 280,000 Ivorian refugees have voluntarily returned to their country. The country continues to initiate fundamental and durable changes as well as efforts for reconciliation and national cohesion. Côte d'Ivoire is one of the few countries in Africa to find durable solutions to the situation of its refugees, whose status will end by June 30, 2022. 

A land of hospitality, Côte d'Ivoire has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. The country continues to open its borders to people seeking protection, including, since May 2021, Burkinabe refugees fleeing violence by armed groups. UNHCR works closely with the Ivorian authorities and partners to protect their rights and to find durable solutions to their situation.