Zambia currently hosts 73,000 refugees, asylum seekers

Stephen Kampyongo

Zambia currently hosts 73,000 refugees and asylum seekers, minister of home affairs Steven Kampyongo has disclosed.

And the minister has disclosed that over 10,000 refugees have settled at the new Mantapala refugee resettlement in Kawambwa district.

Speaking during the commemoration of the World Refugee Day in Lusaka, Mr. Kampyongo says government will continue providing support to refugees and asylum seekers in line with the international law.

He says the country will continue to provide protection to those who deserve it in line with the Zambian law and conventions to which Zambia is party to.

Mr. Kampyongo has encouraged Zambians to be tolerant and understanding to refugees in Zambian communities.

Speaking at the same event, UNHCR representative, Pierrrine Aylara commended government for providing security to refugees in Zambia.

Ms. Pierrrine says helping refugees rebuild their lives requires individual and collective attention.

The theme for this year’s World refugee day is “We stand together #With Refugees”.