Zambia Reaffirms Support for Refugees During UNHCR Visit
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomed His Excellency Mr. Raouf Mazou, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Global Operations, at Charter House in Lusaka. The meeting coincided with World Refugee Day, celebrated on June 20th.
Minister Haimbe praised the long-standing partnership between Zambia and the UNHCR in helping refugees and displaced persons.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to supporting refugees by providing key services in education and agriculture, aimed at fostering self-reliance and mutual benefit.
Hon. Haimbe thanked Mr. Mazou for his visit and expressed hope that World Refugee Day would highlight the progress made over the years.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to continue working with the UNHCR on refugee programmes in Zambia.
Mr. Mazou commended Zambia for its strong record of hosting and supporting refugees.
He noted the country’s new National Refugee Policy, which focuses on self-reliance and inclusion.
He also mentioned the challenges posed by the El Nino-induced drought during the 2023-2024 farming season, stressing the need to address dependency and build resilience.
Mr. Mazou appreciated the support from development partners and assured ongoing UNHCR support for Zambia’s efforts in assisting refugees.
Zambia currently hosts over 105,000 refugees, asylum seekers, and persons of concern in three settlements—Mantapala, Meheba, and Mayukwayukwa—as well as in urban areas like Lusaka.
