Congolese refugees in Zambia to increase to 76, 000 by the end of 2018

The High Commission for Refugees has projected that the number of refugees being hosted in Zambia will increase to 76, 000 by the end of 2018.

Commissioner for Refugees Abdon Mawere says the refugees will mainly come from Congo DR.

Mr. Mawere says in order to effectively respond to this influx, the Zambian government remains  committed to  rolling-out  the  comprehensive Refugee  Response  Framework (CRRF).

Speaking during a national consultative meeting held in Lusaka Mr. Mawere said the CRRF is aimed at supporting refugees and responding to their needs for protection.

Mr. Mawere says the GRRF builds on the  engagement of various government authorities at national and  local levels and is based  on a multi-stakeholder approach.

Speaking at the same meeting United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR) representative Pierrinne Aylara observed the need for cooperation in tackling the issue of refugees.

Ms. Aylara says UNHCR in particular cannot achieve the desired response in isolation.