UNHCR deputy Chief expected in Zambia

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees,Alexander Aleinikoff will arrive in Zambia on Wednesday 27th August, 2014 for an official visit.

Mr Aleinikof, the second in command in UNHCR’s global operations, led by the High Commissioner Antonio Guterres, is scheduled to hold consultative meetings with senior Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN agencies and visit Meheba Refugee Settlement.

The visit is to follow-up on the implementation of the Strategic Framework for the Local Integration of Former Refugees in Zambia.

The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees’ visit to Zambia comes at a crucial time when the Government of Zambia and UNHCR are vigorously pursuing the program of local integration for some former refugees who are seeking to remain in Zambia, given their long stay in the country and the ties which have been forged.

UNHCR Representative in Zambia, Laura Lo Castro, has described the visit of Mr Aleinikof as UNHCR’s clear sign of appreciation for Zambia’s long standing and exemplary record in hosting refugees and a signal of the importance the Office attaches to the search for durable solutions, especially in light of the invocation of the cessation clause for Angolan and Rwandan refugees on 30 June 2012 and 31 June 2013 respectively.

Zambia currently hosts 54,046 refugees and others of concern, in two refugee settlements, urban areas and self-settled.
( Monday 25th August 2014 )

QFM NEWS