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

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