Mr. Mwiimbu announced the assistance when Akiteru Mikami, Ambassador of Japan to Zambia, paid a courtesy call at the ministry. He said the engagement reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral relations between the two countries, which span more than six decades.
The minister stated that the financial support includes US$5.9 million provided through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for infrastructure development at Meheba Refugee Settlement and Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlement. An additional US$1.2 million has been channelled through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to strengthen protection services for newly arriving refugees.
Mr. Mwiimbu said Zambia has hosted refugees for many years and continues to meet its humanitarian obligations. He noted that increased refugee inflows, particularly due to conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have heightened the need for continued support from cooperating partners.
He added that government remains committed to strengthening cooperation aimed at promoting peace, security and the protection of human dignity for both refugees and host communities.
