UNHCR welcomes refugees screening

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has welcomed government’s directive for refugees whose status is coming to an end to be adequately screened before their stay in the country is made permanent.

Cabinet has directed the ministry of Home Affairs to ensure all refugees are adequately screened if they are to remain in Zambia starting next month with those who will not meet the recommended criteria being handed over to UNHCR.

UNHCR Country Representative Laura Lo Castro says this will help in protecting the country from security threats considering that people have different intentions when seeking asylum thus it is important that they are thoroughly screened.

Laura Lo Castro

Ms. Lo Castro also notes that this will also help in identifying who are true refugees and need to be helped and those that are after something else.

She explains that a true refugee should have the necessary legal documentation.

Ms Lo Castro adds that as UNHCR they will continue to work with government in dealing with those that will be sent to the organization failing to meet the recommended criteria.

Ms. Lo Castro has however commended government for recognizing many refugee claims and giving the refugees the refugee status.