Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
UNHCR Representative in Zambia, Laura Lo Castro, has commended Zambia for embracing co-existence, after years of hosting migrants and refugees.
Featuring ZNBC’s TV2, Morning Live programme today, under the topic, Unite Africa, Ms Lo Castro commended the political and traditional leadership in Zambia for fostering unity for several years now.
Laura Lo Castro
Ms Lo Castro who touched on a wide range of issues concerning migration, refugees and xenophobia, expressed sadness at the recent xenophobic attacks in some parts of South Africa.
She says the UNHCR is concerned because this can happen anywhere in the world, as the issue of migration is a global phenomenon.
The UNHCR Representative however expressed happiness with the stance taken by the Government and President Jacob Zuma calling for co-existence, and acknowledging the fact that South Africa was a rainbow nation hosting many migrants and refugees who have positively contributed to the South African economy in different ways.
Ms Lo Castro observed that the problem of xenophobia was not unique to South Africa, as the movement of people is a phenomenon affecting the entire world and cannot be stopped, attributing it to a number of factors, such as war and conflict, persecution, natural disasters and climate change and economic recession.
She adds that the situation in South Africa should be a lesson to all and see how to solve the issue and prevent it from happening in Zambia and other countries in Africa.
She explained that usually, xenophobia is driven by wrong perceptions.
The UNHCR Representative has advised that xenophobia should not be fought with xenophobia, but through dialogue.