The 2024 World Refugees Day Recommendations and Commendations

The 2024 World Refugees Day Recommendations and Commendations.

In the picture, World Vision/UNICEF Zambia representatives handing over the borehole at Meheba Refugees settlement a few years ago.

By Raphael Banda

Over the years, Zambia has continued to host refugees, asylum-seekers and other people of concern and the number currently stands at about 105,000.

Hence embarking on a journey of resilience and compassion towards comprehensive refugee protection and integration in refugees’ settlements such as Maheba in Northwestern Province, Mantapala in Luapula and Mayukwayukwa in Western province.

Rooted in humanitarian principles and enshrined within the National Refugee Policy, Zambia’s vision go beyond borders to foster social cohesion, economic development, and safeguard the fundamental rights of all individuals. This monumental journey began in 2019, with the inception of a pioneering Refugee Policy by the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This policy, a testament to Zambia’s proactive stance, aims to offer clear guidance on the protection and assistance of asylum seekers, refugees, former refugees, and returnees, ensuring security while championing humanity.

As a Media Development Trainer and Journalist who has covered assignments almost in all refugees’ settlement in Zambia since 2017 ,as we commemorate the 2024 World Refugees Day, I would like to recommend the following:

1. 1. Journalists in Zambia from Broadcast/print and multimedia be trained in coverage and documentation of refugees’ stories to popularize the activities in this humanitarian undertaking as it is also one way of making netzines/citizens appreciate the peace and tranquillity.

2. 2. (UN and Government) may consider setting up a radio station that will have broadcasting studios in all the refugees’ settlements to enhance access to information and disseminate information regarding the entrepreneurship activities taking place in all settlements.

3. 3. Conduct quarterly documentation of refugee’s stories in all media platforms to showcase the strides that UN agencies like UNHCR, UNICEF and government are making to improve the warfare of the brothers and sisters in these settlements such as the promotion of sports and alternative sources of livelihood.

Ends/// Raphael Banda - Media Development Trainer

In all these recommendations, I have the expertise and skills relevant to offer the services and technical support. for comments and any communications email bandaraphael55@gmail.com

Comments

The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no. 18 2024- Progressive Legislation

The Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18 2024- A focused piece of legislation. By Raphael Banda January 23 rd , 2025. Environmental protection wise, the ''Eco-friendly curtains of 2024 brightened their colours on Zambia on December 26th as evidenced by the zeal and determination showed by government and parliament to enact a progressive law which strives to attain Zambia's vision 2030 and United Nations's Sustainable Development Goal number 13.'' On December 26 th , 2024, Zambia enacted the Green Economy and Climate Change Act no.18 of 2024. This progressive Act provides for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation, low emission development, green economy and related actions. The Act also provides for regulation of carbon markets; provides for environmental and social safeguards in climate change actions; establishes the Climate Change Fund; domesticates the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate...

Climate Smart Agriculture Key to Increase crop yields

Quality Agriculture Extension services key to attaining Climate Smart Agriculture. By Raphael Banda In most African countries and beyond, farming is a lifeline. This is owing to the fact that it feeds families, supports local economies, and preserves cultural identities passed down through previous and current generations. However, the past few decades, this sustenance has come under increasing threat from something beyond any farmer’s control known as climate change. Its effects have made rainfall unpredictable; seasons commence late or not at all in some parts of the continent. Crops that once thrived now struggle. For millions of smallholder farmers including the over 2.5 million registered farmers in Zambia, the impact has been demoralizing. Despite the setback, a new wave of hope has emerged in the form of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) which is a practical, proven, and people-centered approach that is helping farmers fight back and attain maximum crop yields. ...

Climate Justice Demands More Than Promises: Why COP30 Must Deliver Finance

Climate Justice Demands More Than Promises: Why COP30 Must Deliver Finance The Global South emits a fraction of the world’s carbon, yet suffers most of the damage. From Zambia to across Africa, communities are adapting with limited resources. Climate finance is overdue and the media must be part of the solution. Zambia is among many countries in the Global South feeling the disproportionate weight of climate change. In 2024, the nation faced one of its worst droughts in decades, dragging down the economy and affecting 87 of its 116 districts. Yet Zambia, like much of Africa, contributes just about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This contrast, low emissions but high vulnerability, underscores a fundamental injustice in the global climate debate: climate finance is not keeping pace with the scale of the crisis. As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025 , climate finance must take center stage. For three decades, leaders have met annually in the Blue...

THE PLATFORM

Search This Blog