The Zimbabwe government has pledged to provide more land and other amenities to thousands of foreigners living in the country’s largest refugee camp as part of efforts to assist them to rebuild their lives.
Speaking during commemorations of World Refugee Day on Monday, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Paul Mavima said the Zimbabwean authorities are alive to “the need to empower persons of concern in terms of livelihoods.”
“The Government of Zimbabwe will continue to avail arable land for the expansion of the irrigation scheme in Tongogara to benefit refugees and the host community to ensure peaceful co-existence,” Mavima said.
Zimbabwe is home to more than 22,500 refugees from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique.
Most of the refugees reside at the Tongogara Refugee Camp in Manicaland province while a few live in urban areas, mainly in Harare at the Waterfalls Refugee Transit Centre,” according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The Zimbabwean government is working with UNHCR and other partners to support the refugees and neighbouring communities with self-reliance project such as an irrigation scheme, a hydroponics project, a new school building for children with disabilities.
The government is also supporting an organization led by young refugees, which is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among youths.
World Refugee Day honours the courage, strength and contributions of millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war or persecution.
It is a day to remember that with help from hosting communities and neighbours, refugees can rebuild their lives and networks and even thrive.
This year’s theme was “Everyone has the right to asylum. Whoever they are. Wherever they come from. Whenever they need it.”
JN/APA