The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended the Zambian government for the support it has continued rendering to refugees in the country.
UNHCR Mayukwayukwa Refugee Camp Coordinator, Emmanuel Mutale said government has always supported operations involving refugees saying this was highly commendable.
Mr. Mutale further disclosed that a total of 74,282 refugees were living in Zambia, with 12,175 being at Mayukwayukwa refugee camp.
He said out of the 12,175 refugees, 5,897 former refugees have been integrated into the Zambian communities while 6, 278 are still refugees.
Mr. Mutale was speaking before a debate competition between Mayukwayukwa and Kaoma Secondary Schools.
And Kaoma District Commissioner, Kennedy Mubanga said government attaches great importance to the wellbeing of refugees.
Mr. Mubanga said the integration of Angolan refugees demonstrated government commitment to ensuring that refugees are comfortable and well taken of.
He noted that the debate was timely as it educated people on refugees’ welfare.
And UNHCR later presented exercise books to both schools.
The motion of the debate was dubbed ‘Do refugees contribute positively to economic and social development’.
The debate is part of many other activities that have been lined up to commemorate Refugees Day that falls on 20th of June
The celebrations will be held at Mayukwayukwa refugee camp.
