Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged global judiciaries to protect the integrity of refugee and migration systems, stressing fairness, transparency, and accountability as key to safeguarding the rights and dignity of millions worldwide.
Speaking at the official opening of the 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migrant Judges (IARMJ) in Nairobi, Koome highlighted the critical role of the Judiciary in ensuring justice and humanity in managing global displacement challenges.
“Over 120 million people are displaced, and migration systems worldwide are under strain,” Koome said.
“The role of the judiciary in upholding human rights has never been more critical. Integrity in refugee and migration systems is central to the safety and dignity of millions who rely on these systems.”
She emphasized that every asylum seeker must receive a fair hearing, due process, the right to appeal, and access to information, ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and justice.
The Chief Justice called for strong legal frameworks, well-trained personnel, sufficient resources, and consistent decision-making.
“We have an obligation as judges to close legal gaps, uphold the independence of adjudicators, and ensure objective decision-making. This is essential for protecting the integrity of these systems,” she said.
Koome also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in building public trust. Governments must provide accurate data, welcome oversight, and communicate clearly about challenges such as camp congestion or case backlogs.
“Fact-based communication is the strongest defense against misinformation and xenophobia,” she said, pointing to Kenya’s progressive judicial decisions on citizenship, statelessness, and family unity of refugees as examples of how the rule of law can prevail.
She further emphasized the need for international cooperation, noting that no single country can handle displacement, trafficking, or irregular migration alone.
“We continue to need each other and must share standards to strengthen our systems through knowledge exchange and peer support,” she added.
Koome called on judges to remain vigilant and courageous in upholding justice. “As we begin this conference, let us renew our commitment to justice, compassion, and principled decision-making, learning from one another to strengthen systems for the good of all who depend on us,” she said.
The conference brings together judges, legal experts, and migration specialists from around the world to discuss emerging challenges in refugee protection and to strengthen judicial capacity in managing complex migration issues.
