Zambia has been recognized as one of the African countries that has performed well in the integration of refugees and internally displaced persons into the local communities.
The recognition was made by the African Union International Detention Coalition Africa Regional Coordinator, Junita Calder at the 3rd Africa Union Commission and National Human Rights Institutions Policy forum under the theme “National Human Rights Institutions contribution to durable solutions on forced displacements in Africa”.
She said Zambia is a shining example of a country where refugee have been properly integrated in communities without any hostility from communities.
“Things work out well when the creation of parallel healthcare systems is avoided as can be seen in Zambia where a Lusaka based transit centre using UNHCR funding and co-ordinated by the Action Africa Help Zambia (AAHZ) is able to improve the infrastructure of the health centre, with the centre being opened to both refugees and the surrounding communities,” Ms Calder said.
And speaking on the side lines of the Forum, Zambia’s Human Rights Commissioner Yuyo Kambikambi who is representing the country said it was a great honour to be recognised as a country that is doing something right in the space of refugees and or internally displaced persons.
She said her institution is one that was created to promote and protect the human rights of all Zambians irrespective of colour, creed, religion or status.
“We find that most times this group of people are not just marginalized but are excluded because when people are displaced, not only will they be looking for shelter and food but they also lose their right to vote and are thus disenfranchised if not properly accounted for by the Governments and other stakeholder’’, Mrs. Kambikambi said.
She said while Countries looked at refugees from a security risk angle, there was need to look at this from a humanitarian angle in order to keep in line with the sustainable development goals and the UN resolution of leaving no-one behind.
This is according to a statement issued by Inutu Mwanza, the First Secretary- Press and Tourism at the Zambia Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
I just hope those integrated refugees will not one day rise against Zambians like what we saw with the Banyamulnge rebels in Congo and the rebels in Bosnian war
No nation like Zambia! A great nation that is why NAMWALA should not happen HAGAIN. Let him go HAGAIN! He is UNELECTABLE and master of confusion in Zambia! CHILDISH.
how about taking care of the Zambians who ain’t able to afford ubunga and many other local issues affecting Zambians on daily basis that are ignored?
Zambia has been a home to many people. There are many people from neighboring countries and beyond who have chosen Zambia as their home. Some have come as far as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Russia, etc. They’re all welcome. That’s what distinguishes us from other people. Some of these people have contributed so much to our well-being, while others have subtracted. Some even practice racism but we still tolerate them. Some like Somalians isolate themselves but we still tolerate them. Malawians brought Ilomba but we still tolerate the. The Luvale brought Kaliloze from Angola but we still embrace them. Zambia is land of peace and joy
Yes. Land of peace and joy to foreigners and corruption, hunger and poverty to most Zambians
Its just a matter of time before poor Zambians will realise that their misery won’t change unless they make the change.
Thanks @Ayatollah, very good statement especially that I don’t need to add anything at this time.
THIS IS WHERE THE AU FAILS INSTEAD OF CALMING DOWN THE PROBLEM IN SOUTH AFRICA YOU ARE COMMEND US FOR ALLOWING REFUGEES RIGHT NOW THE PRIORITY IS TO STOP YOUR MEMBERS FROM CREATING REFUGEES. AFRICAN UNION ALWAYS CHASES THE RAT WHEN THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE. THE RAT CAN WAIT FOCUS ON STOPPING YOUR MEMBERS FROM KILLING ONE ANOTHER
“Thank you Mr. President and local leaders for standing up for immigrants and refugees. I am proud to live in a community that is welcoming and stands up for the most vulnerable in our community. It’s not only the right thing to do but our community is vibrant in part because of the diversity of thought, culture and experiences that immigrants and refugees bring to our neighborhoods.”
According to a certain political party with strong roots in southern province, the Zambian economy has collapsed, there is no rule of law and there is chaos!!! How can refugees be coming to Zambia??
Zambia is a Christian nation, a blessed nation, we should be an example to emulate,we can do more to show the world, it is not about problems we face as a nation, but a continuation of doing good to man kind, God bless Zambia and Zambians.