Zambia Seeks Financial Assistance to integrate 11,000 Rwandans and Angolans

Zambia has told the 69th Session of the Executive Committee sitting in Geneva, Switzerland that the country requires financial assistance to successfully conclude the integration of the former refugees.

Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo said in his statement to the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commission for Refugee that the acquisition of permanent resident by former refugees has stalled due to financial constraints and legal technicalities among other challenges.

Mr. Kampyongo disclosed that the exercise started in 2014 and is expected to be completed in 2016 with the integration of about 14,000 Angolans and 4,000 Rwandans.

The Minister noted that despite the challenges, over 3,000 former refugees now holds Residence Permits or Temporal Permits while, the social economic pillars are being supported by development partners led by the UNDP.

He stated that in order to successfully conclude the legal pillar of the programme, the Government of Zambia requires financial assistance in order to ensure that permits are issued to the remaining over 11,000 Angolans and Rwandans.

And High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi commended Zambia and other countries that have embraced the refugee response.

Mr. Grandi said Zambia needs support to address the influx of Congolese asylum seekers who have entered the country.

Meanwhile, World Bank Chief Executive, Kristalina Georgieva who also presented her organization’s statement reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to working with the UNHCR and the host countries in addressing issues of refugee crisis world over.

Minister of Home Affairs, Stephen Kampyongo is leading the Zambia delegation attending the 69th Session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR comprising of Permanent Secretary, Pamela Kabamba and Commissioner for Refugees, Abdon Mawere.