Government anticipates that by the end of 2018, Zambia will host about 76, 000 refugees from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ministry of Home Affairs Commissioner for Refugees Abdon Mawere says since August 2017, Zambia has received an increased number of refugees fleeing the conflict in DRC.

The Ministry of Home Affairs Commissioner for Refugees said this in Lusaka during the stakeholders meeting on UNHCR Multi-year, Multi-partner Protection and Solutions Strategy (MYMPPSS) and Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).

Mr. Mawere says it is expected that these national stakeholders’ consultations will serve as a platform to exchange, collect and agree on key areas of intervention and identify potential partners in Zambia.

He says these will also help in the identification of solutions for the refugees and host communities.

And UNHCR Representative, Pierrine Aylara says while more than 10,000 new arrivals have been settled in Mantapala, a recently established refugee settlement in Nchelenge District in Luapula Province, over 21,000 persons of concern live in Kalumbila District, 12,000 in Kaoma District, over 14,000 in urban areas such as Lusaka and Ndola, and another 15,000 have self-settled across 5 Provinces.

“In short, UNHCR’s operations are countrywide, though the challenges and opportunities that refugees and the communities that host them are unique to each location, calling for a comprehensive, context specific response” she said.

She says the Government and the people of Zambia have generously responded to the plight of refugees and many other thousands of refugees before them, offering international protection, safety and the opportunity to continue to build their lives in peaceful coexistence with Zambians.

Ms Aylara says traditional leaders have especially shown solidarity, generosity and hospitality, something that UNHCR is most grateful for.

She has also observed the need for all stakeholders to collectively support the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees, the Department of Resettlement and other key line ministries and Government Departments which are providing services in the communities that have over more than five decades welcomed refugees.