Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Lawrence Sichalwe
Government has disclosed that the number of refugees in Zambia has significantly reduced to 59, 213 from 300, 000.
Traditional and Arts Minister Lawrence Sichalwe has attributed this to various durable solutions government has implemented over the years such as voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement to third countries.
Mr. Sichalwe says since 2006, several refugee camps have been converted to other use.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Refugee Day in Kalumbila district of north western province yesterday, Mr. Sichalwe says government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to achieving durable solutions as manifested by a number of measures implemented over the years.
He has further revealed that a total of 1, 214 residence permits have so far been issued to Angolans and some Rwandans by the department of immigration while more than 13, 000 applications are still being processed.
Meanwhile Mr. Sichalwe has called on all stakeholders to put in their best so that the locally integrated people and Zambians lead a meaningful life.
Mr. Sichalwe has since urged all former refugees who are still living in the Refugee settlement to immediately move to their plots of land in the scheme.
And Speaking at the same event, outgoing United UNHCR Country Representative Laura Lo Castro has commended government for its effort in demonstrating the open door policy and practice.
Ms. Castro has advised Angolans to move to the land allocated to them in compliance with the Zambian Law.
Meanwhile Chief Mumena of Kaonde speaking people in North-northwestern Province has praised the outgoing UNHCR Country Representative for fighting for the rights of Refugees in Zambia.