LUSAKA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commended Zambia on Friday for its efforts to promote the inclusion of refugees into national systems.
Chansa Kapaya, the UNHCR regional director for Southern Africa, said that Zambia's progressive approach could serve as a model for other nations and attract development.
Kapaya, concluding a three-day visit to Zambia, praised the country for its commitment to a progressive response to forced displacement and refugee protection, as well as its longstanding support for refugees and displaced persons.
She urged Zambia to promptly implement its national refugee policy, launched in January, to align with the ambitions of the Global Compact on Refugees.
Kapaya emphasized the importance of predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, saying that sustainable solutions to refugee challenges require multi-stakeholder responses.
She affirmed UNHCR's commitment to collaborating with the Zambian government and partners to implement sustainable programs that transform refugee settlements into hubs for economic development.
Additionally, she commended the Zambian government's decision to declare the drought situation a disaster and expressed solidarity with those affected.
UNHCR is working to respond to the government's disaster appeal and will continue to mobilize support from development partners, she added. According to UNHCR, Zambia currently hosts 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers. ■