Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Amos Chanda says President Lungu expressed his concern when he attended a high level side meeting called by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the SADC Troika to discuss the situation in the DRC.
Mr. Chanda said President Lungu said Zambia will need the international support to enable the country manage the refugee crisis due to civil strife in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“The head of state has expressed concern over the influx of refugees running away from the political conflicts in Congo DR, and as a result the President held a high level meeting with UN secretary general to engage the international community to assist the country,” Mr. Chanda said.
Zambia is receiving about 500 refugees on daily basis from Congo DR who are seeking asylum in Zambia.
Mr. Chanda said the President has appealed to the international community for support not only to contain the crisis but also take care of asylum seekers.
And United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May has praised President Edgar Lungu for leading Zambia’s robust efforts against human trafficking, forced labour and child marriages, among other vices.
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Speaking on the subject matter entitled ‘ Eradication of Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking “ at the United Nations on Wednesday, Mrs. May encouraged President Lungu to press on with the impressive efforts Zambia has put in place so far.
According to Mr. Chanda, the United Kingdom Premier assured President Lungu of her administration ‘s commitment to supporting Zambia in fight against modern slavery and other vices.
And President Lungu said government has remained concerned that the country has become a source of transit and destination for men, women and children subjected to forced labour and modern slavery.
He said the trafficking which is occurring within the country’s borders involves victims usually being sourced from vulnerable communities especially in rural areas.
The Head of State however informed Ms May that his administration has put in place measures to redress the vice which includes enacting a robust human trafficking legislation in 2008 whose aim is to eradicate all forms of trafficking by prosecuting offenders and the rehabilitation of victims.
President Lungu said government has welcomed the convening of the meeting of the United Nations 2010 global action plan to combat trafficking.
He said Zambia is looking forward to the adoption of the outcome document by the general assembly which has emphasized the need to intensify international cooperation , and includes capacity building and technical assistance for developing countries.
Refugees fleeing from their countries is a symptom. Fix the cause.
Kaili ati Africa can fix its own problems, why not call upon African countries to help? Now you want help from the same people you call imperialist when it fits your needs you look upon those whites to help you.
What really do you want? Confused???
Forget any help coming from European countries, they are busy with North African Immigrants.
500 a day?? Where are the 5,000 in the last 10 days?
This is exactly what one woman from New Jersey said yesterday that numbers of us who attended from State house and UN mission will not add up.
And why allow Amos Chanda comment anything?Rubbish!!
Zambia has always hosted refugees from all our neighbours except Malawi and Tanzania. All our neighbours are our relatives in one way or another. Nastradumas its your UPND party that wants things to change and make Zambia refugees because HH is desparate to be president.
Shu shu shu…. how do u bring HH into this. Any normal person can see that ECL is fishing for funding from the very neocapitalists that political sycophants like sharon criticise. What a strange government pf has formed
Eflux of refugees. Refugees do not influx fleeing from war.
As good as it is to help our neighbours; Congolese are the worst of the worst and Zambians will note the rise of crime. Violent Nation and people of Congo; whose country has been broken by Western countries for their Diamonds. Let the biggest culprits, FRANCE AND BELGIUM, take these refugees. Let’s drop them off in Morocco/ Tunisia so they catch a boat ride to those countries. Let’s Shame them in UN.
500 a day? How many people remain in the DRC?