UNHCR assures of continued support to Zambia’s refugee management efforts

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has assured Zambia of its continued support in the country’s ongoing efforts to assist refugees.

Raouf Mazou, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner in Charge of Global Operations, applauded Zambia’s longstanding record of hosting and supporting refugees and displaced persons during his meeting with Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, in Lusaka on Friday.

Mazou highlighted Zambia’s implementation of several initiatives, including the recently launched National Refugee Policy, which emphasized self-reliance and inclusion over mere humanitarian assistance.

Additionally, Mazou expressed concern over the impact of the El Niño-induced drought during the 2023-2024 farming season across the southern region.

He stressed the need to address issues of dependency, resilience and the negative effects of climate change.

Minister Haimbe acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Zambia and the UNHCR in providing assistance and protection to refugees.

He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting refugees by ensuring the provision of services that promote self-reliance.

Haimbe highlighted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to extend key services in the education and agriculture sectors to refugee communities, stating the importance of inclusion and mutual benefit from available skills and expertise.

“I also wish to express the government’s gratitude for your visit to Zambia to commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20 and hope that the celebration marks the milestones achieved over the years,” Haimbe stated.

Zambia currently hosts over 105,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and persons of concern in three refugee settlements—Mantapala, Meheba, and Mayukwayukwa—as well as in Lusaka and other urban areas.

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