Refugees in Zambia appeal for consideration

Refugees living in Zambia have appealed to government to consider removing the burden of investor permits from bonafide refugees because they are not investors.

Refugee Community in Zambia Chairman General Emile Hatungimana says a greater majority of the refugees in Zambia are self employed and have created jobs and are more than eager to create more if allowed to do so.

And Mr. Hatungimana says it is sad that the just ended African Union (AU) in South Africa failed to create a roadmap on restoring peace and security in Burundi before, during and after elections.

He says the summit fell short of the expectations of the people of Burundi and its neighbors.

He further states that the solution depends on the Heads of State, United Nations and AU to boldly decide to side with the long suffering human beings or to side with their fellow leaders who he says are trying by all means to rule forever.

Mr Hatungimana made these remarks during the commemoration of World Refugee Day in Lusaka today under the theme ‘Get to Know a Refugee’.

Speaking at the same event, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Gerry Chanda says Zambia’s doors remain open to all refugees.

Colonel Chanda recalls that in 2012 government approved the recommendation of granting local integration to 10, 000 Angolan refugees following the cessation of their status on 30th June, 2012.

He says to date, about 6, 000 former Angolan refugees have been screened and certified eligible for local integration and that almost 200 have already been issued immigration permits to stay permanently in Zambia.

And United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative Laura Lo Castro says it is motivating that the Zambian government has recently allowed former refugees who have spent more than 20 years in Zambia and are unable or unwilling to return to their home country, to remain legally in Zambia.