East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 3rd March 2026: Mr. Hervé Kaute, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the African Union and UNECA, paid an official visit to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in Arusha on 3rd March 2026. The visit strengthened cooperation on refugee protection, access to justice, and regional judicial responses to forced displacement.
Mr. Kaute met with the Hon. Judge President of the EACJ, Justice Nestor Kayobera, the Acting Registrar, and senior EACJ officials. Discussions focused on:
- Enhancing cooperation to ensure protection-sensitive adjudication of refugee and asylum cases;
- Improving access to justice for refugees and internally displaced persons through procedural accommodations and language support; and
- Reinforcing the role of regional courts in upholding human rights and promoting durable solutions for displaced populations.
“Regional judicial institutions are vital partners in protecting the rights of refugees and advancing durable, rights-based solutions,” Mr. Kaute said. “UNHCR values close cooperation with the EACJ to strengthen access to justice for displaced persons across the region.”
Judge President Kayobera welcomed the visit and reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to regional and international protection standards. “Informed and sensitive adjudication in matters affecting refugees is essential. Collaboration with UNHCR will enhance our capacity to deliver fair and accessible justice to vulnerable populations,” he said.
Judge President Kayobera thanked UNHCR for its ongoing support, notably in judicial training on refugee law and participation in EACJ Judicial Conferences, and informed Mr. Kaute of the Court’s 25th anniversary celebrations scheduled for 30th November 2026.
With the East African region hosting an estimated 6.3 million refugees, both parties emphasized the crucial role of courts in safeguarding the rights of refugees and stateless persons. UNHCR requested to be kept informed of relevant pending matters before the EACJ and asked for advance notice of anniversary events to facilitate participation.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen institutional cooperation in support of refugee protection across the region.
About the EACJ
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the Organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Court was established in November 2001; its key mandate is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty. Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the capitals of the following Partner States: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.
For more information please contact:
Christine Mutimura
Acting Registrar,
East African Court of Justice.
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org