Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the protection, inclusion and socio-economic empowerment of refugees as part of the country’s broader development agenda.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Refugee Day in Lusaka today, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Dickson Matembo, said this year’s theme recognises refugees as resilient individuals who continue to contribute to Zambia’s social and economic development despite the challenges they have faced.
Mr Matembo noted that refugees have demonstrated courage by rebuilding their lives, investing in their families and engaging in productive activities that benefit both refugee and host communities.
He assured that the government remains committed to integrating refugees into national development programmes in a manner that promotes dignity, self-reliance and peaceful coexistence.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the National Refugee Policy provides a framework for strengthening refugee protection, improving access to essential services, promoting self-reliance and advancing durable solutions.
He added that the government is implementing the World Bank-funded Zambia Refugees and Host Communities Project valued at over US$30 Million to ensure that investments in refugee hosting areas such as Meheba in Solwezi and Mayukwayukwa in Kaoma Districts benefit both refugees and local communities.
Mr Matembo further disclosed that government continues to uphold its national and international obligations by providing asylum and ensuring access to safety and dignity for people fleeing conflict and persecution.
He disclosed that the government, working with the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is undertaking voluntary repatriation exercises for Congolese refugees in Mantapala Refugee Settlement.
“So far, 865 Congolese refugees have safely returned to their country of origin,” he said.
Mr Matembo noted that the government is also prioritising education through the rehabilitation of schools, construction of additional classroom infrastructure and establishment of computer laboratories in Meheba Refugee Settlement.
He said the interventions will improve access to quality education for both refugee and host community learners.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that government has attracted support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the HOPE2 Project, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, improved farming methods and economic empowerment.
He said the initiative is expected to strengthen food security and expand income-generating opportunities for refugees and host communities.
Meanwhile, Acting UNHCR Country Representative, Helen Mebrahtu, said World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to honour the strength, resilience and achievements of refugees around the world.
Ms Mebrahtu noted that Zambia continues to demonstrate generosity by offering protection and hope to people forced to flee their countries.
She said this year’s commemoration marks 75 years since the adoption of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which guarantees the right of individuals fleeing conflict and persecution to seek safety and rebuild their lives in another country.
Ms Mebrahtu disclosed that there are nearly 42 million refugees globally, with approximately 115,000 currently hosted in Zambia.
She said refugees are not defined by displacement alone but are individuals with skills, talents and aspirations who contribute positively to the communities that welcome them.
And National Refugee Representative, Bernard Lukungu, called for enhanced support towards the local integration of refugees in Zambia.
Mr Lukungu said local integration has become an increasingly important durable solution amid challenges affecting voluntary repatriation and third-country resettlement.
He appealed for easier access to work and mobility documentation to enable refugees contribute more effectively to national development.
Mr Lukungu commended the government for ongoing efforts aimed at harmonising laws and policies to improve the welfare of refugees.
He also called for increased funding towards healthcare, education and infrastructure development in refugee settlements and urban refugee communities.
He assured the government that refugees in Zambia remain committed to respecting the country’s laws and living peacefully with host communities.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Sisterhoods Secretary General, Elizabeth Muleya, said World Refugee Day serves as a reminder that every refugee statistic represents a human story of resilience and hope.
Ms Muleya commended government, through the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees and its cooperating partners, for upholding Zambia’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and protection.
She said refugee protection goes beyond physical safety and includes promoting dignity, inclusion and equal opportunities.
Ms Muleya noted that her organisation recently partnered with the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees to conduct a migration advocacy and capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening awareness on refugee protection, statelessness and human trafficking.
She urged communities to move beyond sympathy and embrace solidarity by creating environments that welcome, protect and empower refugees.
