Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Hidenobu Sobashima – Japanese Ambassador to Zambia
The Japanese Government has announced a contribution of US$1 million to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR’s) 2018 operations in Zambia.
Japan’s Ambassador to Zambia, Hidenobu Sobashima, made the announcement when he visited Mayukwayukwa Resettlement Scheme, under the local integration programme, in Western Province’s Kaoma District on Thursday.
Ambassador Sobashima praised the Government of Zambia for its outstanding record in hosting refugees and former refugees.
He says it is hoped that the US$1 million support to UNHCR will be utilized for the most needy areas.
Among other things, the Japanese envoy toured projects in the local integration resettlement scheme funded by his Government and met with former refugees and Zambians.
Mr Sobashima said the facilities in the local integration scheme in Mayukwayukwa will be key to improving the lives of the new permanent residents and Zambians.
Since 2012, Japan has contributed almost US$11.3 million to UNHCR operations in Zambia, including US$2 million – during the 2015 – 2016 fiscal year – that went to UNHCR and local integration projects supported by other UN agencies in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa Ambassador Sobashima
The US and Japan are the biggest contributors to UNHCR’s global budget, but with frequent ear-marked funding to the Zambia refugee operation.